Leaflet gives licensing advice on Houses in Multiple Occupation

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A house in multiple occupation is a house, bedsit, flat, lodgings, student accommodation or hostel where three or more unrelated people live and share facilities such as a toilet, washing or cooking facilities. Since 2000, all such properties have by law had to be licensed by the local council.

To obtain a licence, the property must be properly maintained and managed to meet strict safety standards. Those standards cover issues such as; the risk of fire, gas and electrical hazards, unsuitable facilities or a lack of sufficient facilities, overcrowding and poor tenancy management issues.

“Our environmental services staff provide guidance for tenants and landlords on all aspects of the licensing of HMOs and this leaflet is another stage in that approval," said Councillor Iain McMillan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Housing, Environment and Community Safety Policy Board.

“We don’t hesitate to use enforcement action and rogue landlords should know they face potential fines of up to £5,000. However, we want to stress that by getting advice from the Council, any problems can be resolved before they reach that stage. Our aim is to give people the information and practical assistance they need to ensure that HMO’s are safe and well-managed for everyone’s benefit.”

Environmental Services staff already take a number of steps to identify properties which are unlicensed. Those actions include searching Internet sites for details of properties being advertised for rent, checking out advertisements in shop windows, and investigating information given by members of the public regarding potentially unlicensed HMOs.

Meetings and presentations on licensing issues are also held with letting agents, community groups, housing associations and tenants and residents’ groups.

Margaret Hay, is Service Manager with the charity Turning Point Scotland which provides support to 35 individuals across Renfrewshire whose lifestyles or disability lead them to seek additional support whether they live on their own or with others. "Having the HMO licence is reassurance for us and the people we support that systems are in place, and are regularly reviewed, to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and their visitors," said Margaret. "I'd also say to landlords that we found the HMO licensing staff at Renfrewshire Council to be very helpful and supportive and that the process of gaining the licence wasn't just a bureaucratic exercise but one which promoted high standards of safety and management."

Renfrewshire Council’s new leaflet, 'Licensing for houses in multiple occupation' has been distributed to housing neighbourhood offices, libraries, council offices, GP’s surgeries, community groups and housing organisations to promote awareness of rights and responsibilities under the licensing legislation.

If you are a landlord, tenant or neighbour looking for advice on licensing requirements, or you are aware of unlicensed HMOs operating in your area, contact the Council's public health enforcement officer on 0141 840 3125 for advice or to discuss your concerns.

Press Release: Monday 24 April 2006