Space and Amenity Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation
SPACE AND AMENITY STANDARDS IN HOUSES IN MULIPLE OCCUPATION (HMO'S)
In March 2011 along with our partners at Fylde and Wyre Councils Blackpool adopted a new set of space and amenity standards for houses in multiple occupation (HMO's). The aim of these is to :
- Ensure that each household has access to decent kitchen and bathroom amenities and that sharing of these amenities is reduced as far as possible
- Ensure adequate provision is made for the collection and storage of refuse in line with Street scene requirements
- Set minimum space and room standards in order to reduce instances of overcrowding
- Establish acceptable management standards that consider the maintenance of fire safety systems, the internal and external appearance of the property and landlord responsibilities for the impact of their tenants on the community.
The proposed standards will help the Council to achieve its strategic aims, and have been agreed across the three Fylde Coast local authorities so that landlords know that they have to work to consistent standards across the area.
Key Facts
The full guidance notes can be seen under publications, but in brief the documents sets out that: -
- Accommodation must have adequate means of space heating.
- Kitchens must have adequate ventilation and be fitted with mechanical extract fan, adequate refuse disposal facilities, suitably sited fire blanket, adequate provision of fire doors and fire detection.
- A suitably equipped communal dining room should be provided next to each kitchen facility.
- Shared kitchens must not be more than one floor away from any letting except where dining room is provided next to kitchen.
- Bathrooms must be adequately heated and ventilated
- Full fire detection and separation must be in place.
Please click on "Publications" to see the full document. |