These leaflets explain the most important features of
landlords' rights and responsibilities but they are only a general
guide and have been taken from the
Communities and Local Government
website.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
A property is a HMO if it is let as a main or only home to at
least three tenants, who form more than one household and who share
a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. This includes properties such as
houses or flats shared by a group of friends or colleagues, bedsit
type accommodation with shared bathrooms and bed and breakfast type
establishments for persons who have no other home.
The Housing Act 2004 introduced the licensing of HMOs. If you
are thinking of setting up such a premises or purchasing an
existing HMO then you should contact us for advice and to make your
application before you begin to operate. An existing licence cannot
be transferred. Alternatively you may wish to apply on-line by
using the
Application Form and
Fire Risk Assessment Guidance.
If you fail to apply for a licence or allow a property to be
occupied by more people than are permitted under the licence, a
fine of up to £20,000 may be imposed. In addition, breaking any of
the licence conditions can result in fines of up to £5,000.
We have to carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System
(HHSRS) risk assessment on your HMO within five years of receiving
a licence application. You must also carry out any works that are
required as the result of a safety inspection.
Under The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England)
Regulations 2006 the owner or manager of any HMO with three or more
storeys and with 5 or more occupiers which form two or more
households and where there is some element of sharing of basic
amenities must:
- give their contact details to the tenants
- keep fire escapes clear and maintain fire fighting equipment
and alarms
- ensure that the property design and structure will not cause
any injury
- provide adequate, uninterrupted water supply and drainage
- provide adequate supply of gas (if any) and electricity
- check annual gas safety certification (if gas is supplied) and
electricity safety every five years
- keep the property and any shared gardens in good repair
- provide suitable rubbish disposal
If you require any further information regarding Houses in
Multiple Occupation please contact the private sector housing
team:
E-mail:
environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk
Address: Private sector housing, Council Offices, Thorpe Road,
Weeley, Essex, CO16 9AJ
Telephone: 01255 686744
The Mental Health and Housing Partnership is carrying out
research to increase what is known about the lives of the people
living in HMOs and how their accommodation affects their mental
health. The project overall has previously focused on the
experiences of professionals, this research will contribute the
residents' and landlords' perspectives with interviews with HMO
landlords and residents.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Project
Co-ordinator: Caroline Barratt on 07786 661496 or
E-mail:
barrattc@essex.ac.uk
Twitter: @mhp_clacton
Facebook: MHP Clacton
Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance
As a landlord you can claim the Landlord's Energy Saving
Allowance (LESA) of up to £1500 of tax relief per unit of
accommodation if you make energy saving improvements to your
property. Find out more from HM Customs & Revenues website
www.hmrc.gov.uk or the National Landlords
Association
www.landlords.org.uk or 0207 8408900.
Our Benefits and Revenue
Service also provides useful information for landlords or you
can visit
Directgov for further advice.
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