HMO or not?

[silentman21]

I am thinking of purchasing a property which consists of three self contained flats in a Victorian house. The tenants would only share the common entrance and stairs. Would this be classed as an HMO, if all the flats are self contained?

[duffty]

Definition of HMO

'House in Multiple Occupation' means a building, or part of a building (e.g. a flat):

• which is occupied by more than one household and in which 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 self contained flats and the standard of conversion does not meet, at a minimum, that required by the 1991 Building Regulation and more than one third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies.


And is 'occupied' by more than one household:
• as their only or main residence , or,
• as a refuge by persons escaping domestic violence, or,
• during term time by students, or,
• for some other purpose that is prescribed in regulations.


And the households comprise:
• families (including single persons and co-habiting couples (whether or not of the opposite sex), or,
• Any other relationship that may be prescribed by regulations, such as domestic staff or fostering or carer arrangements.

If the building was converted before 1991 the building will be an HMO (the conversion won't have been carried out to the standards / building regs currently required). You may need to install fire alarm etc in this area.

Any of the flats in the building also also capable of being HMOs if they are occupied by more than one household - eg three friends sharing.

Hope this helps!