HMO standards

Minimum national standards for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) are prescribed in regulations under the Housing Act 2004. These relate to provision of:

bathroom
WCs
kitchens
fire safety
heating

within HMOs.  Please note that in some cases where these prescribed standards are met, the Council may still decide that an HMO is not reasonably suitable for occupation.

Under Section 65 of the Housing Act 2004, the council can adopt more detailed local HMO standards to reflect local housing conditions, provided they do not fall below the national standards. Kensington and Chelsea has done so for three categories of HMO. When applying these local standards in relation to flats in multiple occupation and shared houses, the council will take into account all available space provided in the dwelling and may apply the standards flexibly as appropriate to each case.

The council’s HMO standards

The council’s adopted minimum HMO standards ensure that HMOs provide a good standard of accommodation, facilities and management.

The standards provide detailed information, appropriate to each category of HMO. They set out what is required of landlords and managing agents to comply with the law and ensure their accommodation is safe, well managed, and provides a reasonable standard of facilities and sufficient living space for the occupiers. They are also useful information for HMO residents as to what standards they can expect. Where standards are not met, an HMO licence may not be granted or may be granted subject to conditions or subject to enforcement action to raise standards.

There are three guides under the following categories: