HMO management is not as easier as it seems. There are a lot of legal requirements that should be procured well by the rental properties. Keeping up with the regulatory standards, which are constantly updated, is one of the most difficult tasks for HMO owners. Here is the list of the HMO legal requirements and regulations that can help you in understanding them well. You may invite legal action if failed to comply with the rules and regulations.
HMO License
As per the government, it is mandatory to own a license if you are letting out a large HMO. If these rules apply only then your property will fall under the criteria of the large HMO.
- It is leased to a group of 5 or more individuals that make up more than one home
- Some or all of the renters share toilet, bathroom, and kitchen facilities.
- Rent is paid by at least one tenant (or their employer pays it for them)
Even if your home does not meet the definition of a “big HMO,” you may still need a license because local governments have the power to apply for permits and licenses. So the greatest part to do is verify with your municipal government to see if your property requires a license. In some municipalities, even individuals let’s need a Tenant Licensing Scheme license.
HMO Minimum Room Size Regulation
These are the HMO minimum room sizes regulation:
- Any apartment in the HMO for use as resting accommodations by one adult over the age of ten years must have a flooring area of at least 6.51 square meters
- Any bedroom in the HMO used as sleeping accommodation by two people over the age of ten years should have a floor area of at least 10.22 square meters;
- Any bedroom in the HMO utilized as bedroom accommodation for one child under the age of ten years must have a floor area of at least 4.64 square meters.
- Any HMO room having a floor space of less than 4.64 square meters is not for the dormitories.
HMO Management in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006
Here are some of the duties imposed on the HMO Managers as per the regulations.
- Contact Details of the manager of the property such as name, address, and contact telephone number must be provided to every household and in a column area, details must be clearly specified.
- Confirm that almost all fire exit routes are clear and unobstructed, that almost all fire measures are followed, and also that actions are made to protect occupants from injury.
- Groundwater and disposal should be maintained
- Ensure that annual energy safety procedures are performed (more details further down), that electrical connections are inspected every 5 years, and that the manager does not unnecessarily disrupt the electricity or gas supply.
- Keep all common components and facilities in working order and tidy, and make sure that common parts have sufficient light.
- The guarantee so each unit and its furnishings are cleaned at the outset of each occupancy, and that the internal structure and fittings in each renting are maintained.
- Provide suitable trash warehouses and guarantee that waste is collected properly.
HMO Gas Safety Regulations
The Gas Safety Regulations of 1998 make it a legal requirement for all landlords of residential property to keep all gas appliances, piping, and flues in good working order
A yearly examination by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer of all heating systems supplied inside the premises (e.g. cooker, hob, etc.) by the tenant is required. After that, a certificate of examination will be given; tenants and landlords must preserve a copy.
Owners should be able to give the current Gas Security And privacy to the local authorities upon request underneath the Houses in Multiple Occupation Management Regulations. In the case of HMOs that necessitate an HMO license, the landlord must include the Certificate with any permit application, as well as mail it separately.
Reaching the end
These are the top HMO legal requirements and regulations and there are much more as well to know about. Consequently, you can do HMO management of rental properties with the help of the best lettings platforms online. Get in touch with us to gain assistance in the HMO management and manage your rental properties in a well systematic and legal way.