Safety inspection - homes in multiple occupation

We will inspect any homes in multiple occupation (HMO) in the District. If the condition of the property inspected is not up to standard, the landlord or owner is required to improve them.

About this service

Our regulations state that it shall be the responsibility of the landlord or owner of the HMO to ensure that the property:

• is in good repair
• is in a clean condition
• is in good order
• has water supply and drainage, which is well maintained, repaired, kept clean and be protected against frost damage
• has an uninterrupted gas or electricity supply
• has common areas such as staircases, passageways, corridors and entrances kept free from obstruction
• handrails and banisters and any stair coverings should be kept repaired or be replaced where necessary for the safety of the residents.           

The landlord or the owner must ensure that installations for lighting serving any part of the house in common use are readily available to residents.  

All means of escape from fire in the house and all apparatus, systems and other fire precaution equipment are to be maintained and kept free from obstruction. It shall be the responsibility of the manager to display in suitable positions in the house signs indicating all means of escape from fire in the house.

All outbuildings, and outside areas should be maintained and kept in good clean condition. Boundary walls, fences and railings should be in good repair so as not to constitute a danger to residents.

It is also required that the manager should ensure:

• that refuse and litter are not allowed to accumulate in the house, except when pending disposal, and he shall provide and maintain suitable refuse and litter bins, except where provided by us. You are also responsible for the disposal of any refuse if we fail to do so.
• that reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the general safety of the residents of the house with regard to the structural conditions of the house and to prevent access to any areas that are unsafe, including window sills that are at or near floor level.
• that the name, address and telephone number of the managing agent or landlord of the house is displayed in the house.
• that we are provided with particulars requested by written notice with regard to the following:
• • the number of individuals and households accommodated within the house
  • the numbers of individuals in each household; and
  • the purpose for which each room in the house is used.             

It is the duty of all residents of the property to ensure that the landlord or owner can effectively carry out his duties. All residents must: 

• allow the landlord or owner access at all reasonable times, to any occupied room
• provide the landlord or owner on request with any relevant information 
• comply with arrangements made by the landlord or owner in respect of fire precautions or litter storage and disposal 
• take reasonable care to avoid damaging anything which the landlord or owner is under obligation to keep in good repair