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Houses in multiple occupation

What is a house in multipal occupation?

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a building, or part of a building such as a flat, which meets the following criteria:

• occupied by more than one household and in which more than one household shares an amenity (or the building lacks an amenity) such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities 
• occupied by more than one household and which is a converted building and does not entirely comprise self contained flats (whether or not there is also a sharing or lack of amenities)
• comprises entirely of converted self contained flats and the standard of conversion does not meet, as a minimum, that required by the 1991 Building Regulations and at least one third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies

It must also be occupied by more than one household:

• as their only or main residence
• as a refuge by persons escaping domestic violence
• during term time by students
• for some other purpose that is prescribed in regulations

A household is explained as:

• families, including single persons and co-habiting couples (whether or not of the opposite sex)  
  any other relationship that may be prescribed by regulations, such as domestic staff or fostering or carer arrangements

There are different types of HMOs in Portsmouth, such as bedsits (where the occupiers have their own bedroom and may share bathrooms and kitchens), shared houses, hostels and occasionally hotels and guest houses that provide accommodation for persons with no other permanent place of residence.

What standards are required?

Houses in multiple occupation are often poorly managed and in poor physical condition.  The sharing of accommodation, bathrooms, toilets, kitchens and communal areas such as hallways, stairs and landings, frequently leads to problems associated with:

• inadequate toilet and personal washing facilities
• inadequate food preparation facilities
• overcrowding
• dampness 
• inadequate heating and excessive cold
• electrical hazards
• inadequate fire safety

As such, we use the housing health and safety rating system to assess the seriousness of any shortage in these and other areas.  We take action to deal with any hazards that might present a risk to the occupiers.  There are specific amenity standards for licensable HMOs that recommend the maximum number of occupiers that may share toilets, washing facilities and cooking facilities.     Additionally, there are management standards that apply to HMOs.  A manager has a duty to ensure the property is maintained in a good condition, the water, gas and electricity supplies are maintained, the common areas are kept clean and in good repair, the living accommodation is maintained and arrangements are made for the stoage of refuse. Residents are also required not to hamper or frustrate the manager from carrying out his/her responsibilities.    
For more information, contact   Housing Standards
Portsmouth City Council
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth, PO1 2AZ Telephone: 023 9283 4215 Email: housing.privatesector@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Associated documents:

  Housing Health and Safety Rating System  (0.04 MB)
Amenity standard that apply to licensed premises  (0.03 MB)
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006  (0.03 MB)