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Homes in Multiple Occupancy Register

The Council operates a Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Controlled Registration Scheme. This means a HMO will have to meet standards as a condition of registration.

The Council is responsible for checking Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to make sure they are in a satisfactory condition, are safe, have satisfactory means of escape from fire, have sufficient bathrooms and kitchens, have adequate space and proper management.

The scheme will allow us to require minimum standards and properly monitor HMOs.

What is an HMO?

A House in Multiple Occupation is a house, which is occupied be people who do not form a single household. Examples include:

• A house let as individual bedsitting rooms
• A group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
• Hostels, some hotels, guesthouses#
• Lodgings, and shared houses
• Houses converted into self-contained flats

Exemptions

The following HMOs will not have to apply:

• House or flat with only two persons
• Resident landlord plus two separate tenants
• Houses converted entirely into self contained flats with Building Regulations Approval, where at least one third are owner occupied
• Houses subject to control orders
• Registered social landlords (such as housing associations)
• Houses registered under the Children Act 1989, Registered Homes Act 1984.
• Educational establishments
• Health Service accommodation
• Local authority owned property

What are the Standards?

A HMO will have to meet the Council's standards. These standards include:

• Means of escape in case of fire and other fire precautions
• Amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms toilets and wash hand basins
• Overcrowding with regards to the number and size of rooms
• General fitness for occupation
• Management standards
• Gas safety
• Furniture fire safety

Who needs to register?

'The responsible person - i.e. the landlord or person having control or managing a HMO must apply to register the premises with the Council and pay the appropriate fee.

It is an offence under the provisions of the Housing Act 1996 not to register a HMO.

Fees payable to the Council

• The cost of registration is available on application
• The registration lasts for 1 year and is renewable at the end of the term.

To obtain further information and an application form, please use the contact details above.

Contact Details

Oswestry Borough Council
Planning and Enviromental Services
Castle View
Oswestry
Shropshire
SY11 1JR

Tel: 01691 677226 / 677356
email: environmentalhealth@oswestry-bc.gov.uk