The government has issued prescribed standards for licensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under the Housing Act 2004. These are mandatory. All councils will have to apply them.
All HMOs must have:
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Washing facilities – one separate toilet with wash hand basin and tiled splash back per 5 occupiers
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One bathroom with bath or shower and constant hot and cold water per 5 occupiers, which may also contain a WC
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If there are less than 5 people in the house, they can share a bath/shower which incorporates a WC
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Bathrooms to be adequately heated and ventilated
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All washing facilities to be adequate in size and layout; fit for the purpose and 'suitably located'
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Wash hand basins should be provided in bedrooms of properties with five or more sharers
If properties do not comply completely with these standards but still have reasonable facilities, landlords may be given time to do so as a licence condition.
If you are concerned about this particular requirement please contact us to discuss possibilities.
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Shared kitchens must be suitably located, suitably laid out, and adequately provided with facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food for the number of occupiers
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Minimum equipment for shared kitchens includes sinks (with drainers), hot and cold water supplies, cookers, electrical sockets, worktops, cupboards, fridge/freezers, and refuse disposal facilities, and extractor fans, fire blankets and fire doors as necessary
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In partnership with other councils in Sussex, we are planning to develop best practice guidance on quantities or amounts of items such as electrical sockets, fridge/freezers, work and cupboard space, which would be considered 'adequate', 'sufficient' or 'appropriate'
The council must also be assured that there is adequate heating throughout the property.
