Legislation, Regulations and Guidance for HMO
All owners and property managers of Housing in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) will need to be aware of the following legislation which they need to ensure compliance with.
The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation And Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006
If you own or manage a house in multiple occupation, then it may require to be licenced.
Please refer to the HMO Licensing page for further details.
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006
The manager/person responsible for managing the property shall ensure that the requirements of the HMO Management Regulations are met. The manager may be the owner, person in control, person receiving rent, agent or any other specifically designated person.
Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in prosecution which incurs a maximum fine of £5000. We may serve a notice requiring the manager to carry out works to comply with the regulations.
Building Control approval for HMO's
Please note that Building Control approval is required for change of use to HMO’s (rooms for residential use) for 7 or more persons. Building regulations will also be required for a variety of renovation works, including plumbing and electrics, thermal insulation, structural alterations and extensions. Submit an application for building control approval.
For more information please contact us at Buildingcontrol@3csharedservices.org or by phoning 0300 772 9622.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Under this order, the common areas of an HMO (such as the hallways and landings) may be inspected by Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service) and a fire risk assessment is required to ensure that the risks are adequately identified and controlled.
Guidance for Amenity Standards in Houses in Multiple Occupation
If you wish to let your property as an HMO you will need to comply with the Councils amenity and space standards. These requirements are in place to ensure HMOs do not become overcrowded and to ensure the facilities available are suitable for the number of occupants.
The amenity provisions are the recommended minimum requirement for all Houses in Multiple Occupation, whether the building requires a mandatory licence or not. The level of amenity provision depends on the number of occupiers sharing the accommodation and the type of accommodation e.g. shared house or bedsit accommodation. The facilities should be located not more than one floor distant from the people who use them, (unless there is a shared or common dining area available) and they should be in a convenient position to enable occupiers to use them comfortably.
South Cambridgeshire HMO Amenity Standards [PDF, 0.2MB]
Guidance for Fire Standard in Houses in Multiple Occupation
All HMO properties will be required to comply with the LACORS Housing Fire Safety guidance which is the national minimum standard required.
Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing [PDF, 1.5MB].
South Cambridgeshire has produced the following ease to read fire safety guidance for HMO depending on storey height. Please click on the links below for the relevant guidance document.
South Cambridgeshire Fire Safety Standards for 3 or 4 storey HMO [PDF, 0.1MB]
South Cambridgeshire Fire Safety Standards for up to 2 storey HMO [PDF, 0.1MB]