Landlords (strictly ‘managers’) of Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are reminded that minimum standards were introduced on 1 October 2007, which include the requirement to:
- provide the manager’s contact details to each household in the HMO and have them displayed prominently in the HMO;
- maintain fire escapes free from obstruction and clearly signposted and maintain in good condition fire fighting equipment and alarms;
- take all reasonable measures to protect the occupants from injury, in particular as regards roofs, balconies and windows;
- maintain the supply of electricity, water and (if applicable) gas and supply the local authority with electrical and gas safety certificates when requested;
- maintain the drainage and provide facilities for the disposal of waste;
- maintain in good order (subject to normal use by the tenants) the fixtures and fittings supplied; and
- arrange for safety testing of the gas and electricity supplies at appropriate intervals.
Failure to comply with any of these regulations without reasonable excuse can lead to a fine of £5,000.
