A Quick Guide to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Birmingham

ByKate Slater July 24, 2018

Investing in property can be a lucrative way of making an income. In Birmingham there are nearly 2000 HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation), and this number is steadily increasing. It is important for Landlords to know their duties and rights. While there is general legislation across England and Wales, there may be specific conditions to grant and continue HMOs with your local council.

What is a HMO and is your property a HMO? A HMO is a property where there are more than three people who do not form one household (not family) and share basic amenities. Therefore, three friends renting a property would be deemed a HMO. A couple renting a property with a friend permanently staying is also a HMO. However, a couple with children is not a HMO.

Licensable HMO

Currently, getting a HMO licence will purely depend on the location of the property, the size of the property and whether or not it is specified by Birmingham City Council. However, from October 2018 mandatory licensing will be set by the government applying to the whole of England and Wales. The mandatory licensing aims to provide more protection to tenants and create a clearer picture as to how many private landlords there are across England and Wales. The main change is compulsory licensing for houses containing five or more people, regardless of the number of stories the property has.

Landlords Obligations

  • Name and contact details clearly displayed
  • Necessary fire safety measures
  • Necessary general safety measures
  • Necessary water supply measures
  • Necessary gas safety measures
  • Necessary electrical safety measures
  • Appropriate living accommodation standard
  • Appropriate rubbish disposal –measures

Birmingham City Council provide further requirements for landlords applying for and managing HMO properties. For specific enquiries visit the Birmingham City Council website, providing detailed information as well as downloadable guide. https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20175/private_housing/476/houses_in_multiple_occupation_hmo/1

Landlords should also be aware of the duties of tenants.

Tyndallwoods has a dedicated team of property solicitors dealing with a range of property issues, from buying and selling houses to corporate property transactions as well as property disputes. If you have any queries or issues regarding a property you own or would like to buy, regardless of whether domestic or corporate, give us a call on 0121 693 2222.

The information provided in this post has been thoroughly and diligently researched to ensure its accuracy. The information and advice given on behalf of Tyndallwoods is general advice and we remind those reading the blog posts that the information is correct at the time of publication. We cannot take responsibility for an action, or lack thereof, from those who solely reference the content of the blog. We would like to remind readers that each case is unique and different and therefore accurate advice will be moulded by our solicitors to accommodate to your specific case.

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