If you live in a shared home, it may be classified as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Knowing whether your property qualifies as an HMO or a large HMO is important to ensure that your landlord follows the correct safety and legal standards.
What is an HMO?
Your home is considered an HMO if both of the following apply:
- At least 3 tenants live in the property, forming more than 1 household.
- You share toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities with other tenants.
What is a Large HMO?
A large HMO has stricter rules and requires a licence. Your home is a large HMO if:
- At least 5 tenants live in the property, forming more than 1 household.
- You share toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities with other tenants.
What is a Household?
A household includes:
- A single person or members of the same family living together.
- Family members include:
- People who are married or living together (including same-sex couples).
- Relatives or half-relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings.
- Step-parents and step-children.
Licensing Requirements for Large HMOs
If your home is classified as a large HMO, your landlord must obtain a licence from the local council.
HMO Rules for Landlords and Tenants
The general rules for renting apply to all HMOs. These include:
- Tenant rights regarding repairs and maintenance.
- Landlord responsibilities for ensuring the property is safe and meets health standards.
Additionally, local councils may enforce extra rules for HMOs. Contact your local council to check if additional regulations apply to your property.
Landlord Requirements for Large HMOs
If you live in a large HMO, your landlord must ensure the property meets certain standards, such as:
- Fire safety measures, including smoke alarms and accessible escape routes.
- Proper waste disposal arrangements.
- Adequate shared facilities, such as kitchens and bathrooms, based on the number of tenants.
For more details, check with your local council about the specific standards for large HMOs.
How to Report Problems with Your HMO
If you experience issues in your HMO, such as poor living conditions, safety hazards, or failure to meet required standards:
- Contact your local council. They are responsible for enforcing HMO regulations and can take action against landlords who do not comply.
When You Can Reclaim Rent from Your Landlord
If your landlord rents out an unlicensed large HMO, you may be eligible to reclaim some of the rent you paid.
How to Claim Back Rent:
- Check if the HMO is licensed by contacting your local council.
- Apply to a tribunal to reclaim the rent if your landlord is found to be renting the property without the required licence.
Living in an HMO means you have specific rights and protections. Your landlord must follow legal safety and maintenance rules, especially in large HMOs, which require proper licensing. If you face issues, report them to the local council, and if your landlord has been renting an unlicensed large HMO, you may be able to reclaim some of your rent.
FAQ’s
What qualifies a property as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?
A property is considered an HMO if at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than 1 household, and share facilities like a toilet, bathroom, or kitchen.
What is a large HMO?
A large HMO has at least 5 tenants forming more than 1 household and sharing toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities. Large HMOs require a licence from the local council.
Does my landlord need a licence for a large HMO?
Yes, large HMOs require a licence from the local council. Tenants can contact the council to check if their HMO is properly licensed.
What can I do if my HMO does not meet safety standards?
You can report the issue to your local council, which enforces HMO standards. The council can take action to make your landlord fix the problems.
Can I claim back rent if my landlord doesn’t have an HMO licence?
Yes, if your landlord is renting out an unlicensed large HMO, you can apply to a tribunal to reclaim part of the rent you’ve paid.