Management of houses of multiple occupation

Whether you live in your HMO as a residential landlord or you let the whole house you must have good management practices, such as:

• Safety measures - fire escapes and detection systems in good order and repair; protection from injury (falls from balconies, windows)
• Water supply and drainage - water supply and drainage systems to be maintained and suitably protected.
• Gas and electricity - gas and electricity supplies to be maintained; gas safety certificates to be available for inspection; electrical tests every 5 years.
• Common parts, fixtures, fittings and appliances – common areas (such as staircases, passageways, corridors and entrances) to be kept free from obstruction, maintained in good and clean decorative repair and in safe working condition (including gas and electricity supplies, lighting and heating/hot water; WCs, baths, sinks, washbasins, kitchen facilities and post boxes).
• Lighting, windows and ventilation - windows and ventilation to be kept in good repair; common areas to have adequate lighting.
• Outbuildings in common use - outbuildings, walls and outside spaces to be repaired, kept clean and not to be a danger. Garden to be safe and tidy.
• Waste disposal facilities - enough bins to be provided and safe storage for refuse prior to collection.
• Information to occupiers - the name, address, and telephone contact number of the manager must be made available to each occupier and the details clearly displayed in a prominent position in the house.
• Duties of occupiers - It is the duty of all residents of an HMO to ensure that the manager can effectively carry out his duties. All residents must allow access, provide information, comply with refuse arrangements, be of good conduct, take care of fixtures and fittings, comply with instructions about fire safety and treat premises in a tenant-like manner.