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:

• Gas Safety Responsibility for Landlords
• Legal requirements for Landlords fitting carbon monoxide detectors
• Stamp Duty Changes for Buy to Let Landlords