The Housing Act 2004 has introduced a revised definition of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The definition is complex, however in brief it a building or part of a building which consists of one or more units of living accommodation, or a self-contained flat which is occupied by persons who do not form a single household and where there is some sharing of amenities.

This definition include shared student housing

It is the Governments intention to licence only the higher risk HMO’s. These are the properties with three or more stories occupied by five or more persons who form two or more households.

New regulations to ensure the proper managements of HMO,s will be introduced and these will cover all types of HMO not just those that are licensable.

It is the duty of anyone who owns or manages an HMO that is licensable to apply for a licence from April this year . There will be a fee payable for the issue of a licence and before one is issued the Council must be satisfied that:

The house is reasonably suitable for occupation by the number of households having regard to ,amongst other things, the provision of amenities and facilities, The proposed licence holder is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold a the licence; The arrangements for managing the HMO are satisfactory

The Government have said that they will be setting minimum standards for amenities and local authorities can set their own standards based on these. It is likely that we, together with other Essex authorities will adopt standards that are to be agreed County wide and details of these standards will appear in due course.

The duty to licence will come in to force on April 6th this year so if you own or are a tenant of  a property which needs to be licensed please get in touch with the team below.

Please Note: If you are making an application there is a fee of £400

 Public Health and Housing Team

01376 552525

or e-mail

phandh@braintree.gov.uk