Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
A HMO is a house or a flat, which is occupied by two or more households. This definition includes houses, which have been converted into flats. The most common categories of HMO accommodation are the bedsits type and hostel / bed and breakfast properties. For a more detailed description refer to PDF on the right hand side.
The HMO Team:
- We ensure that all occupants of HMOs can occupy their homes in safety, comfort and free from harassment.
- We run a Landlords forum on a regular basis and we aim to provide the best service working together with tenants, landlords and others.
- However where this is not successful, by taking enforcement action.
What we do:
- We carry out programmed re-inspections of our HMOs to ensure that all relevant standards are maintained. the frequency of the inspection is dependent on the category of the HMO and the previous risk assessment.
- We respond to all service enquiries and importantly to complaints relating to disrepair in HMOs and undertake inspections.
- We improve fire safety in HMOs.
- We ensure that premises comply with the Council's adopted space and amenities standards which cover overcrowding, sanitary and kitchen facilities (copies of the standards are available by contacting our office on the details listed below).
- We ensure proper standards of management.
- We provide free advice and financial assistance may be given towards the costs of improvement.
- We incorporate HMOs as much as possible into the surrounding area to lessen the impact it may have.
You can contact us:
Licensing Houses In Multiple Occupation
If you are contemplating letting out the property as an HMO - either bedsits or flats you should seek advice from the Environmental Health Team. As from the 6th April 2006, some types of HMO may require a licence under the new act. Please see HMO Licensing page on this website.
Housing Standards (HHSRS)
There are certain standards that privately rented properties have to meet. The Housing Act 2004 introduced a new system of assessing risks in rented properties. All local authoritues now inspect rented properties by using the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). More information on HHSRS can be found by looking at the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System page on this website.
Sub-Strategy
The Somerset West Private Sector Housing Partnership has a Sub-Strategy with regards to Houses in Multiple Occupation. The document can be found on this page under Related Documents.