If you live in a bedsit, share facilities, e.g. a bathroom or kitchen with other occupants in your house, live in a property divided into flats, then you probably live in a house in multiple occupation.
The standards of repair are the same as for other houses, but because there are greater risks from fire, then your landlord is required to provide fire precautions. Therefore, there should be:-
| · Smoke Detectors |  |
| · Doors should be fire doors and have self-closing devices |  |
| · and there should be call points |  |
| · If the house has more than two storeys, i.e. more than ground floor and first floor, then there should also be a fire alarm panel |  |
This type of property is also required to have a manager, whose name, address and telephone number should be on a notice displayed in the main entrance hallway. The manager is responsible for ensuring the property is properly maintained, stairways kept clear and all shared facilities are kept clean.
The full set of regulations is available below.
Certain houses in multiple occupation are required by legislation to be licensed. These are properties that are:
The following publications explain more about HMOs, which HMOs are required to be licensed, and what responsibilities there are in relation to the management of HMOs.
If you would like more information on Houses in Multiple Occupation or have any concerns about the house you live in, please contact us:
Contact Private Sector Housing
Telephone: 01304 872454
E-mail: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk
