The Housing Act 2004 introduced a new definition of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). In essence an HMO is any building, or a part of a building (e.g. a flat). In the case of student accommodation it should be noted that each student constitutes a single household, therefore, shared student houses will fall under this definition of a HMO:
- Which is occupied by more than one household, shares an amenity (or the building lacks an amenity) such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities; or
- Which is occupied by more than one household and which is a converted building, which does not entirely comprise. Self-contained flats (whether or not there is also a sharing or lack of amenities); or
- Which comprises entirely of converted flats and the standard of conversion does not meet, at a minimum, that is required by the 1991 Building Regulations and at least one third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies.
For more information see Blackpool Landlords Guide ‘To Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Licensing’ displayed below.
Please also see the following publications which relate to problems with condensation and overcrowding.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
From 01 October 2008, all rented properties with a new tenancy in England and Wales will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Please use this link for more information.
LANDLORDS ENERGY SAVING ALLOWANCE
The Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance is a tax allowance which lets landlord’s claim on their tax return against the cost of buying and installing energy saving items.
Please use this link for more information.
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