HMO regulations and safety

Property conditions

We use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess defects within all private rented properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

For more information, please read the property conditions and HHSRS

Management regulations

The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 require that owners or managers of an HMO ensure that the property is maintained in a safe condition. They must also ensure that gas and electricity supplies are maintained and that reasonable standards of management are applied.

Fire safety

The landlord of an HMO is responsible for producing a fire risk assessment for each property individually.

To find out how to carry out a fire risk assessment, please read our guidance on fire safety precautions

Amenities and space standards needed in an HMO

HMOs must have basic levels of amenities. The property must have rooms of a reasonable size and have enough bathrooms, cooking facilities and toilets for the number of people living there.

For more information, please read our guidance on HMO Standards.

Regulations

The main legislation covering licensing of HMOs is in Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004.

In addition, there are a number of statutory laws which also contain details about HMO licensing and management: 

• The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Mandatory Conditions of Licenses) (England) Regulations 2018
• The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018
• The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) (England) Order 2006
• The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006
• The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Additional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2007
• The Houses in Multiple Occupation (Certain Blocks of Flats) (Modifications to the Housing Act 2004 and Transitional Provisions for section 257 HMOs) (England) Regulations 2007
• The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006