HMO THE Standards

🏠 HMO Property Standards – Landlord & Management Responsibilities

Managing an HMO comes with a set of specific legal and safety standards designed to protect tenants and maintain your property. At Rooms To Let North East, we ensure all HMOs meet or exceed these requirements.

🔧 Safety & Compliance

Gas Safety

  • All gas appliances and installations must be inspected annually by a qualified engineer.

  • A valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) must be issued every 12 months.

Electrical Safety

  • A full electrical installation inspection must be carried out at least every 5 years.

  • All electrical appliances must be tested and PAT-checked annually.

Fire Safety

  • Fire alarms must be installed on each floor and in appropriate locations such as bedrooms or cupboards housing appliances.

  • Fire alarms and emergency lighting must be serviced annually and checked regularly by management (at least weekly).

  • Fire blankets must be provided in all kitchens.

  • Fire extinguishers are not required unless tenants are trained; tenant safety focuses on evacuation, not fighting fires.

Legionella & Water Safety

  • Legionella risk assessments must be conducted annually on showers, tanks, and hot water systems.

📐 Room Sizes & Occupancy

  • Single occupancy rooms: minimum 6.51 m² (rising to 7.5 m² in upcoming legislation).

  • Double occupancy rooms: minimum 10.22 m².

  • Rooms under 4.64 m² cannot be used for sleeping accommodation.

  • Most licensed HMOs allow single occupancy only for fire safety.

🚮 Waste Management

  • Management must provide adequate waste containers and educate tenants on correct use.

  • All tenants must receive instructions and sign a waste management policy.

🏘️ Property Management & Inspections

  • Properties must be inspected every 6 months, or sooner if rent is missed or contact lost.

  • Any complaints, particularly about pests or safety hazards, must be addressed promptly.

  • Emergency issues must be resolved within 24 hours, including leaks, heating failure, electrical faults, or security issues.

  • Repairs must be carried out by competent, reputable contractors and completed to a reasonable standard.

  • Funds must be available to finance emergency repairs at any time.

📸 Inventory & Documentation

  • Comprehensive inventories of rooms, fixtures, and fittings, with photos and 360° virtual tours, are essential.

  • Certificates (gas, electric, EPC) must be available for tenants.

  • Tenants must know who to contact for repairs and expected response times.

🏡 Exterior & General Maintenance

  • Exterior of the property, including gardens and outbuildings, must be tidy, safe, and well-maintained.

  • No refuse or debris should be stored outside.

📝 Tenancy & Tenant Rights

Quiet Enjoyment

  • Tenants are entitled to quiet enjoyment; visits require 24 hours’ notice, except emergencies.

References & Right to Rent

  • All tenants must be vetted and referenced; IDs and Right to Rent checks are mandatory.

Deposits

  • Deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme.

  • Prescribed information must be issued to tenants within 30 days.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

  • All tenants must sign and comply with the ASB policy.

  • Management must follow the policy for all incidents, including reporting criminal activity to authorities.

  • Records of all warnings and communications must be kept and available to the council.

⚖️ Licensing & Legal Compliance

  • Changes in ownership, management, or licence holder details must be reported to the council within 14 days.

  • Any modifications to the property that affect licence conditions must be reported.

  • Managers must be fit and proper persons, with no relevant unspent convictions or history of unlawful discrimination.

  • Licence and conditions must be displayed in the communal area, along with the manager’s contact details.

  • Arrangements must be in place for holiday or absence cover.

✅ Emergency Repairs

Emergency works must be carried out within 24 hours for:

  • Leaks in water, waste pipes, cisterns, or boilers

  • Fire detection system failure

  • Electrical, gas, or water supply failure

  • Security issues (windows, doors)

  • Heating system failure

  • Blocked drains or sewage issues

  • Roof or rainwater system damage causing water ingress

By following these standards, landlords ensure that HMO properties are safe, compliant, and attractive to tenants, while reducing risk of fines, legal issues, and property damage.