Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

An HMO is a house which is occupied by more than one household. This could be anything from a house divided into bedsits with a shared kitchen or bathroom, to a rented house where the tenants do not occupy it as a typical family would. We make sure that there are enough sinks, cookers and toilets for the residents. We also make sure that the building is safe, in good repair, has an adequate means of escape from fire and a means of detecting fire.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005 (FSO) places duties on the person having control of an HMO to have fire precautions in place, to make sure the property is safe and to carry out fire risk assessments. The following guidance documents about risk assessments can be of assistance: A Short Guide to the FSO and HM Government Guide.

The guides to the right (related items) contain useful information for both landlords and tenants in this type of property.

Some HMOs require a licence and further information is available on the Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing policy page.

If you wish to make a request for advice on multiple occupancy homes, please use our online form or contact us directly.

Contact the Residential Team

If you have any questions or comments please contact the Residential Team.

Civic Centre,
44 York Street,
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ

Telephone: 020 8487 5123