We are responsible for operating the government’s mandatory licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) which is intended to ensure they are in a satisfactory condition, are safe, have satisfactory means of escape from fire, have sufficient bathrooms and kitchens, have adequate space and proper management.
What is a house in multiple occupation?
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a building or part of a building such as a flat that:
- is occupied by more than one household and where more than one household shares or lack an amenity such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities
- is occupied by more than one household and which is a converted building – but not entirely self contained flats (whether or not some amenities are shared or lacking)
- is converted selfcontained flats, but does not meet as the minimum standard the requirements of the 1991 Building Regulations and at least one third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies.
From July 2006 certain high risk HMOs will require a licence to operate from the Local Authority
What are the standards?
A HMO will have to meet legal standards. These standards include:
- means of escape in case of fire and other fire precautions
- amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms toilets and wash hand basins
- overcrowding with regards to the number and size of rooms
- general fitness for occupation
- management standards
- gas safety
- furniture fire safety
Contact details
South Derbyshire District Council
Multiple Occupancy Homes
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 221000
Fax: 01283 595855
Online: contact form
email: privatesectorhousing@south-derbyshire.gov.uk
Page ref: LGSL 716
Related documents
The following documents are in Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download the PDF software for free from the Adobe website (opens in a new window)
