For those unfamiliar with Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) they are properties which are shared by 3 or more persons who are not related.

HMO’s are now more regulated than ever before and there are numerous key points for landlords to consider under the Housing Act, and also the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 which was introduced in March 2019.

Purely from a Health & Safety aspect Landlords should note the following requirements placed upon them:

• Each gas appliances must be serviced every 12 months by a Gas Safe engineer.
• Electrical equipment provided must be kept safe and in good order. It is therefore recommended that
       Portable Appliance Testing of each item should be undertaken every 12 months.
• Smoke alarms should be fitted within the property.
• The electrical installation should be kept safe and in good order. It is therefore recommended that a full
       inspection and test of the installation is carried out every five years.
• Furniture provided should meet Class O fire resistance.
• Fire extinguishers are required, and whilst mist extinguishers are more expensive, the provision of such
       extinguishers will make it easier to ensure most fire types can be addressed.
• Textured coatings on walls and ceilings are not fire resistant.

Any fire related questions can be addressed to our Fire Risk team on 01904 691515