Information on the legislation which sets out how HMOs are to be managed
HMO legislation
All HMOs are subject to higher than usual standards relating to health and safety and fire safety. There is legislation which sets out rules as to how HMOs are to be managed to maintain this standard, including:
- providing and maintaining fire safety equipment
- supplying and maintaining electricity, water, drainage and (where available) gas services
- providing waste disposal facilities
- maintaining the HMO in good repair, clean and decorative order
- providing and displaying contact details to all tenants or occupiers
These are set out in full in the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 and the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Additional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2007.
It is a criminal offence not to comply with these regulations, punishable by way of an unlimited fine.
The manager is the owner or the lessee of the HMO who receives rents or other payments or the agent who receives the rents or other payments.