Houses in Multiple Occupation
What is a House in Multiple Occupation?
HMO Rules and Regulations
HMO's have specific regulations that apply such as fire precautions and overcrowding standards. To make sure that these rules and regulations are followed, Private Sector Housing (PSH) Officers inspect all HMOs in the Borough. If you have an HMO or are thinking of starting a HMO please contact PSH with your contact details and the address of the property at: Council@southend.gov.uk or 01702 215002.
There are 3 main types of HMOs
Non-licensable HMO | |
Law | S. 254, of the Housing Act 2004 |
Definition
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An entire house or flat which is let to:
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Licensable HMO | |
Law | Part 2 Housing Act 2004 |
Definition
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Buildings that are;
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Certain converted blocks of flats | |
Law | s.257, of the Housing Act 2004 |
Definition
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What is a Household?
A household is defined under of the s.258 Housing Act 2004 as: Persons are to be regarded as forming a single household if:
a) all members of the household are related, or
b) if a couple are living as husband or wife (or equivalent relationship).
Houses in Multiple Occupation Licensing
The Housing Act 2004 introduced mandatory
licensing for dwellings:
- Of three or more storeys; and
- with five or more occupants; and
- Which form two or more households.
It is a criminal offence to operate a licensable HMO without an HMO licence.
How Do I apply for an HMO Licence?
The guidance and application forms are available on: www.southend.gov.uk/hmolicence
The application form can be downloaded, typed and submitted electronically, or printed and filled in by hand then sent to us via post.
The fee is £920 for the first 6 lets, and £50 per additional lettable unit thereafter.
The Council has powers and duties to act should you operate a licensable HMO but fail to make a complete application with fee within a reasonable or requested period. This would constitute an offence punishable by prosecution through the courts with a maximum fine of £20,000. Where licence holders fail to apply, the Council also has powers to claim back housing benefit paid rent via a Rent Repayment Order (RRO), or take control of the property, including control over tenancies and rent via an Interim Management Order (IMO).
Page last updated: 03/04/2018