Apply for a house of multiple occupation licence (HMO)

Rules for landlords of HMOs

All HMO landlords must:

follow our set standards for room sizes, kitchens and bathrooms
follow fire safety guidance Housing - Fire Safety Guidance
install smoke alarms and fire-fighting equipment
install carbon monoxide alarms where there is a solid fuel appliance i.e. a cooker, stove, woodburner, fire. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms booklet for landlords
keep fire escapes in repair and free from obstruction
give contact details to the people living in the HMO
take steps to make sure people living in the HMO are not hurt by its structural condition
make sure there is good drainage from the HMO
make sure there is water supply and the supply is not unreasonably interrupted
supply us with annual gas safety certificates (if the HMO has gas) when asked
carry out safety checks on electrical installations every five years
make sure the supply of gas (if any) and electricity is not unreasonably interrupted
keep the HMO's shared areas in good condition (including decorative repair)
keep each person's separate living area in good condition, including fixtures and fittings
maintain shared gardens
keep in repair any outbuildings or fences belonging to the HMO
provide suitable facilities for getting rid of rubbish

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If you live in an HMO you must:

not make it hard or stop your landlord carrying out their duties
take care not to damage anything which the landlord has a duty to repair, maintain, keep in good order or supply
get rid of rubbish using the landlord's advice
follow all reasonable fire safety instructions given by the manager

You, or your landlord, can be fined up to £30,000 if you do not follow the rules.