Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

A property is a HMO if it is let as a main or only home to at least three tenants, who form more than one household and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. This includes properties such as houses or flats shared by a group of friends or colleagues, bedsit type accommodation with shared bathrooms and bed and breakfast type establishments for person who have no other home. Certain self-contained flats may also be HMOs if they were not converted with the benefit of Building Regulation approval, or failed to meet the 1991 Building Regulation standards.

The Housing Act 2004 introduced the licensing of HMOs. If you are thinking of setting up such a premises or purchasing an existing HMO then you should contact us for advice and to make your application before you begin to operate. An existing licence cannot be transferred. Alternatively you may wish to apply online by using the GOV.uk Licence for HMO application House in multiple occupation licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you fail to apply for a licence or allow a property to be occupied by more people than are permitted under the licence, a fine of up to £20,000 may be imposed. In addition, breaking any of the licence conditions can result in fines of up to £5,000.

We have up to five years to carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) risk assessment of the HMO in question after a the receipt of an application,  but to ensure that the building meets the required standards we will look to visit within 28 days of receipt . At this point you will be advised of any necessary works required to ensure the property meets both local and national standards. You will be expected to complete any works identified to ensure compliance with law. Failure to meet the required standards may result in formal enforcement action.‍

Index of Licences 2023 Online Register of HMO's Current.pdf (tendringdc.gov.uk)

HMO Policy 2024 Final TDC HMO Policy - 2024 (tendringdc.gov.uk)

Under the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006, the owner or manager of any HMO with five or more occupiers which form two or more households and where there is some element of sharing of basic amenities, must:

• Give their contact details to the tenants

• Keep fire escapes clear and maintain firefighting equipment and alarms

• Ensure that the property design and structure will not cause any injury

• Provide adequate supply of gas (if any) and electricity

• Provide adequate, uninterrupted water supply and drainage

• Check annual Gas Safety certification (if gas is supplied) and electricity safety every five years

• Keep the property and any shared gardens in good repair

• Provide suitable rubbish disposal

A link to the aforementioned regulations is below:

‍http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/372/pdfs/uksi_20060372_en.pdf

‍If you require any further information regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation please contact the Private Sector Housing Team:

• Email: PSHousing@tendringdc.gov.uk

‍• Address: Private Sector Housing, 88-90 Pier Avenue, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO15 1NJ

• Telephone: 01255 686617