Multiple occupation - safety inspections

Responsibilities of HMO owners, landlords and managers

The council is responsible for inspecting and monitoring the standard of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The owner, landlord or manager of the HMO is responsible for making sure that the property is in good condition and well maintained. This includes:

water supply and drainage to and from the house
electricity or gas supply to the house
common areas of the house (i.e. halls, stairways, lighting, entrances and passageways)
lighting
windows
fire escapes and fire precaution equipment
living accommodation (the areas occupied by residents)
outbuildings in common use.

The landord or manager of the HMO should also ensure that:

refuse and litter are not allowed to accumulate in the house, except when pending disposal, and shall provide and maintain suitable refuse and litter bins, except where they are provided by the local authority. The landlord/manager is also responsible for the disposal of any refuse if the local authority fails to do so
reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the general safety of the residents of the house with regard to the structural conditions of the house and to prevent access to any areas that are unsafe, including window sills that are at or near floor level
the name, address and telephone number of the managing agent or landlord of the house is displayed in the house
the local housing authority is provided with particulars requested by written notice with regard to the number of individuals living in the property, and the purpose of each room in the property.

If you live in a shared house and you believe that your landlord is not correctly maintaining the property you live in, contact the council for advice or information. Contact details are at the bottom of this page.