Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council ceased to exist on April 1st 2009 when its services
and responsibilities transferred to
Cheshire East Council. This website is available for information only.
Licensing of Houses in Multiple
Occupation
The mandatory licensing of HMOs applies where the HMO is
on 3 or more storeys with 5 or more occupants (who do not form one
family) and there is at least one shared facility.
Commercial premises are to be included in the
calculation of floors as are attics and basements which were
constructed, adapted or converted for use as living
accomodation.
The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation
and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations
2006 give details on the format of licensing and the standards
required in licensable HMOs. Click here for a link to the
Regulations.
In brief licensable HMOs will require
- If there are 4 or less sharing a bathroom - at least one
bathroom and one wc and wash basin (may be separate or in same
room)
- If there are five or more sharing a bathroom - at least one
bathroom and a separate wc with wash basin (whether or not there is
a wc in the bathroom) for every five occupants
- The bathroom must be adequately heated and ventilated.
- If there are five or more occupiers every unit of accomodation
must contain a wash basin unless it contains a sink.
- There must adequate kitchen facilities
- There must be adequate fire precautionary facilities