The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have recently introduced new guidelines for HMO landlords (Houses in Multiple Occupation) which will come into force on 1 October 2018. The rules are aimed at improving the standard of multiple occupancy housing stock.
So what is changing? Well, first of all, whereas previously HMO Landlords were classified as being property of three stories occupied by 5 or more people from two or more households. From 1 October, the three storey requirement will be dropped. This is likely to bring another 177,000 people under its regulation.
This new legislation will require landlords of qualifying property apply for a licence from their Local Authority and this licence can be selectively allocated to allow for the exclusion of ‘fit and proper persons’.
The new regulations state that single bedrooms must be at least 6.51 square metres and double bedrooms must be a minimum size of 10.22 square metres. For children under the age of 10 a single bedroom has to be a minimum size of 4.64 square metres. Landlords will be required to notify the local housing authority if their property has any room that is below this size.
For further details of the responsibilities of Landlords renting out HMO accommodation go to the Government’s website here.
Related articles:
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
The chancellor will deliver her second budget this autumn. Due to slow economic growth and high inflation, the government need to manage a £40 billion shortfall in public finances. There have already been reports about changes to taxes including income tax and capital gains tax.
Landlords could face a new tax this autumn
12 days ago
The chancellor has advised that landlords could have another tax to pay this autumn as the Treasury decide whether to extend national insurance contributions to rental income.
According to a report in the Guardian, senior ministers have asked Treasury officials to look into a “proportional” property tax to see how it would work as an alternative to the existing stamp duty land tax on owner-occupied homes.
More than a quarter of UK adults in long-term relationships (26%) have reported that despite living together, they keep their finances separate from one another.
There has been a rise in both rent and mortgage costs over the last three years, with renters seeing a greater increase in their monthly payments than those with a mortgaged property.
Delayed Start Mortgages
6 Aug 2025
The new Delayed Start Mortgage launched by Skipton Building Society allows first time buyers to postpone the first three mortgage payments. This product has been designed to help soften the blow of moving in costs for first time buyers.
Green Mortgages | Rewards and Benefits
4 Aug 2025
Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer.
A recent study by Boon Brokers where 1,000 people who had used an estate agent over the last year were surveyed, showed that a whopping 52% said they were pressured into using the estate agents’ in-house mortgage broker.
More information
Trusted by
