Housing Bill:

Find out more about the Housing Act

HMO License (House in multiple occupation licence)
Lots of people will live in properties that are legally required to be licensed. These are properties with 5 or more people who are not all a part of the same immediate family living on three or more floors.

In some areas, other rented properties also need a license.

If your property does require a license, ask your landlord for a copy. Details about HMO Licences can be found here.

If you live in an HMO your landlord has to meet extra responsibilities which are in addition to their repair responsibilities. These are on:

• Fire and general safety – mainly the provision of properly working smoke and/or heat detectors with alarms and a safe means of escape in case of fire
• Water supply and drainage – these cannot be unreasonably interrupted and must be kept clean and in good repair
• Gas and electricity – appliances and installations must be safe, which includes arranging an annual gas safety check and having electrical installations checked at least every five years
• Communal areas – such as staircases, halls, corridors and entrances, must be kept in good decorative repair, clean and reasonably free from obstructions
• Waste disposal – there must be enough bins for rubbish and adequate means of disposing of rubbish
• Living accommodation – the living accommodation and any furniture supplied must be clean and in good repair.