Living in a House in Multiple Occupation
HMOs are an important source of affordable housing for those who may be on a low income. HMOs often present greater risks than homes occupied by a single household. This means that they need to be properly managed and maintained.
Tenant responsibilities
As a tenant in a HMO, you must:
- report any repairs that your landlord needs to carry out
- not use any dangerous electrical appliances
- comply with the conditions of your tenancy agreement
- not deliberately damage anything that the landlord must keep in repair
- comply with arrangements for fire safety and refuse disposal
- allow the landlord reasonable access so they can carry out their duties
Landlord responsibilities
The landlord or owner of a HMO, must:
- give tenants your contact details and tell them how they can report any problems
- provide adequate, uninterrupted water supply and drainage
- maintain common parts, fixtures, fittings and appliances
- supply and maintain gas (if any) and electricity
- obtain a gas safety certificate every year
- obtain an electrical safety certificate every five years (a requirement in licensed HMOs)
- provide suitable rubbish disposal
- display your HMO licence at the property if it has one)
Fire safety in HMOs
Your landlord has a legal duty to protect you from the risk of fire under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Risks from fire in an HMO are usually higher than in other types of residential property. This means all types of HMO need a good standard of fire safety is required in all types of HMO, whether or not it is has a licence.
Your landlord has to carry out a fire safety risk assessment on a regular basis to work out what fire safety measures the HMO needs.
