Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO)

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a type of residence where at least three unrelated individuals rent rooms and share common facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike standard rental properties, HMOs are regulated more strictly to ensure safety and proper management. These additional rules cover areas like fire safety, minimum room dimensions, and overall living conditions, all designed to protect both the residents and the property by maintaining a secure, well-organised environment.

Permitted development rights allow certain building changes or conversions to be carried out without needing a full planning application. This can include converting a property into an HMO or modifying an existing HMO. Here’s a simple breakdown:

What’s Covered:

  • Small Changes: If you are making minor adjustments—like converting a regular home into an HMO—you might not need full planning permission. However, these changes must stick to rules about the size and number of rooms/occupants etc.

Local Rules and Restrictions:

  • Council Differences: Local councils might add extra conditions or even restrict these rights, especially in areas where there’s a housing shortage or too many HMOs. This is known as an Article 4 Direction.
  • Safety First: No matter what, all HMOs have to meet strict safety standards, including fire regulations and licensing requirements.

Areas we cover:

  • Get Professional Help: Have a chat with our team about the property you are looking to convert. We can give some insight into what may be achievable, and help you decide on a planning strategy if your looking to have more than 6 occupants.

If you are interested in a quote please do give us a call on 01702 477774, send us a message on our enquiry form , or drop us an email to info@edithgarland.com

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