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Houses in Multiple Occupation
The Housing Act 2004 introduced a new definition of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) which includes any building or flat in which two or more households share basic amenities. A household is a single person, a married/cohabiting couple, or a family. Therefore HMOs will include many sharing arrangements (including joint tenancies) which have been excluded in recent years.
The rules that apply to rented houses also apply to Houses in Multiple Occupation but there are additional standards for the number of amenities and for fire precaution facilities and equipment in certain larger properties. In addition owners of these larger Houses in Multiple Occupation are required to apply for a licence.
Guidance relating to the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and other rental properties Guide to Fire Protection in Homes in Multiple Occupation 
In the case of all Houses in Multiple Occupation the person having control of the building has a duty to maintain it to a good standard of repair. The occupants have a duty to keep the common parts tidy and not to tamper with equipment provided to fight fire. The Private Sector Housing Team carries out regular inspections of Houses in Multiple Occupation to ensure the premises are properly managed and maintained.
The Council do not currently operate a landlord accreditation scheme, however this issue is constantly being reviewed. If the current conditions change, action to enable a landlord accreditation scheme will be considered.
Private Sector Housing Team
North Hertfordshire District Council,
Council Offices,
Gernon Road,
Letchworth Garden City,
Herts.
SG6 3JF.
Telephone 01462 474000
e-mail service@north-herts.gov.uk
