What are the standards for houses in multiple occupation?
Houses in multiple occupation
are houses that are occupied by persons who share
something, usually a kitchen or bathroom and WC. These houses are
usually converted into bedsitting rooms and the occupants only have
exclusive use of their room and so have to share something with
other occupants. As well as bedsits, some groups choose to share,
such as students, young professionals or households who offer a
room or two to lodgers who share the facilities in the house with
the main household. Hostels that house vulnerable groups also
fall into this category.
The Council has developed standards to help
landlords to improve their property and keep them maintained
within the law - the Housing Act 2004. The Good Practice Guide is
available to download and contains useful information about general
standards for all rented property and specific requirements for
HMOs. There are also summaries of the fire safety standards for
various property types - this can help landlords see at a
glance if their proeprty complies.
Good Practice
Guide
If you want to know more about standards for HMOs contact
ehadmin@bedford.gov.uk or
telephone 01234 718099