The risks in not meeting the legal requirements for letting HMO properties
Published: 12/07/2013
A Milton Keynes landlord was hit with a £9000 fine after failing to correctly licence a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) property.
The most common example of an HMO is a student let.
According to letting regulations and landlord law, HMO properties must have:
- An HMO licence
- Written fire assessment, a mains operated fire alarm system and at least one fire blanket and/or fire extinguisher
- Five-yearly electrical safety check
- Annual gas safety certificate
- Minimum one toilet per every five people
- Minimum one shower/bath per every six people.
Not only did the offending landlord fail to licence a House in Multiple Occupation, contrary to section 72(1) of the Housing Act 2004, he was also found guilty of a further eight offences including failure to have a gas safety certificate and failing to ensure the maintenance of the gas boiler.
Jane Reed, the Council’s Assistant Director for Housing, comments:
“We will not hesitate to use the full force of the law to bring irresponsible landlords to account.
“In this case the landlord failed to meet the legal requirements that are there for the protection and safety of the tenants and neighbours.”
If you are an HMO landlord or contemplating becoming one then it is a good idea to find out the legal requirements of letting this specific type of property. GWLET can help – please contact our specialist team.
Content correct at time of publication