House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Policy
Categories of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Standards to be Achieved
Generally HMOs can be placed into one of the following categories each of which has its own standards that have to be met:
| Category | Type of accommodation |
|---|---|
| Category A | Bedsits |
| Category B | Shared houses |
| Category C | Houses with lodgers |
| Category D | Hostels/Bed and Breakfast |
The Council also have to apply the standards to Flats which are in multiple occupation, and properties converted entirely into self-contained flats which do not comply with Building Regulations.
The Council works collaboratively in partnership with other local authorities within the Tees Valley sub-region as well as regionally in the North East. Tees Valley sub-regional partners have produced Amenity Standards and Fire Safety Guidance. Amenity Standards, minimum room sizes and Fire Safety Guidance have been devised and produced by both taking a local approach to raising standards and by including the national minimum standards contained in Statutory Instrument 373/2006, as amended by Statutory Instrument 1903/2007.
The Council has also given due consideration, and adopted guidance and advice, issued by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Local Government Regulation group and other relevant professional bodies. The standards are designed and agreed to provide an element of professional discretion as individual HMOs are assessed and evaluated by specialist Officers.
National and local amenity standards only apply to HMOs that need to be licensed. In non-licensable HMOs, amenities are regulated where appropriate through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). However, the Amenity Standards and Guide to Fire Safety will also assist landlords of non-licensable HMOs by providing a guide as to the level of amenities and facilities that will be deemed to be acceptable in non-licensable HMOs when assessed under the HHSRS.
Having the standards agreed on a sub-regional basis promotes greater consistency and aims to make it easier for landlords who may operate HMOs in more than one local authority area. Read the [LINK]Amenity Standards and [LINK]Guide to Fire Safety
The Amenity Standards and Guide to Fire Safety are subject to revision and will be amended to reflect any new guidance or legislative changes.
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