A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is defined in section 345 of the Housing Act 1985 as:

"a house occupied by persons who do not form a single house hold"

Such properties range from houses where rooms are let individually through to large hostels and registered care homes.

HMOs fall under the Housing Act 1985 and are governed by Local Authority. Section 352 of the Housing Act requires each HMO to be fit for the number of occupants. Confusion very often arises as each Local Authority interprets the legislation differently and produces their own fitness standards as a way of enforcing the legislation. These fitness standards vary between different Authorities.

Fitness standards cover issues such as fire precautions, room sizes, number, and location of shared amenities.

If a landlord fails to meet the Local Authority required fitness standards for HMOs the Authority has the powers to serve notice requiring immediate works to be executed.

Areas of Operation :
Manchester, London, Oxfordshire, Oxford, Bristol, Hull, UK.

S J Treloar & Associates provide expert advice on matters relating to the interpretation of legislation and Local Authority fitness standards affecting HMOs.

We are able to negotiate with the Local Authority on behalf of our clients where a notice has been served.

We are engaged with Registered Social Landlords across the country to provide specialist support and advice during development, maintenance and capital repair programmes.

HMO advice provided to:

Shaftesbury Housing Association
Salvation Army Housing Association
Salvation Army
Horizon Housing Group
Kings College NHS Trust
Oxford Citizens Housing Association
Advanced Housing and Support Ltd
Beacon Housing Association
YMCA Bournemouth
YMCA Hereford