HMO safety and standards

Property conditions

We use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess defects within all private rented properties, including 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