A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a house occupied by persons who do not form a single household. Examples of HMOs include:

• Self contained flats
• Flatlets
• Bedsit accommodation
• Shared houses
• Some bed and breakfast establishments
• Hostels
• Guesthouses
• Houses let in lodgings
• Residential care homes

 
There are minimum standards for HMOs. The standards include the management of the property, the number and type of sanitary and kitchen facilities, the fire safety, overcrowding and the general suitability of the building for multiple occupation.

Officers from the Private Sector Housing Team ensure that these premises meet these standards by:

• Responding to complaints
• Carrying out inspections known as HMOs
• Viewing planning applications

Further information about houses in multiple occupation