Regulations and advice for Housing in Multiple Occupancy (HMO)

• A HMO should be licenced as a HMO. Go to the Licensing of a HMO page to apply for a licence, or for more information.
• The manager/person responsible for managing the property should also ensure that the requirements of the HMO Management Regulations are met (the main ones that apply are listed further below).

The manager of an HMO may be the owner, person in control, person receiving rent, agent or any other person who has been chosen for the role.

Failing to not have a licence or not meeting the requirements of HMO Management Regulations can result in a maximum fine of £5000. We may serve a notice which requires the manager to carry out work to comply with the regulations.

The following regulations apply to a HMO:

Fire safety regulations for a HMO

A fire risk assessment is needed for a HMO to ensure that risks are identified and controlled. A HMO also needs to comply with the LACORS housing fire safety guidance [PDF, 1.5MB], which is the national minimum standard required.

Common areas of a HMO (such as the hallways and landings) may be inspected by Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service.

More information on fire safety

See the links below for easy-to-read fire safety guidance for a HMO depending on the storey/height of the building.

South Cambridgeshire fire safety standards for 3 or 4 storey HMO [PDF, 0.1MB] 

South Cambridgeshire Fire Safety Standards for up to 2 storey HMO [PDF, 0.1MB] 

Guidance for space standards in a HMO

A HMO needs to comply with the council's ‘amenity and space standards’. These standards are in place to ensure that a HMO does not become overcrowded and that the facilities available are suitable for the number of people living in the property.

Amenities that need to be provided (e.g. cooking space, access to a shower) depend on the number of people sharing the living space and the type of building it is e.g. shared house or bedsit. The amenities should not be more than 1 floor away from the people who use them. They should also be in a place where the people living in the property can use them with ease.

For more information check the South Cambridgeshire HMO amenity standards [PDF, 0.2MB].

Building Control approval for HMO

Building Control approval is needed for the change of a building use to a HMO (rooms for residential use) for 7 or more persons. Building regulations will also be needed for a range of renovation works. This may include plumbing and electrics, insulation, structural changes and extensions.

Submit an application for Building Control approval.

For more information contact us at Buildingcontrol@3csharedservices.org or by calling 0300 772 9622.