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Thousands of HMOs harbour life-threatening hazards

broken stairs

HMO landlords are being urged to get their house in order after new research by Inventory Base revealed that 2,334 contain a Category 1 hazard, 1.8% of England’s HMO stock.

The Renters’ Rights Act gives local authorities greater power to crack down on these hazards in rented homes, which include fire risks, severe structural damage, excess cold, and electrical faults.

Inventory Base’s analysis of government data shows that the number of HMOs with Category 1 hazards has fallen by -18% across England between 2022/23 and 2023/24. However, despite these improvements, several regions have seen a significant rise in hazardous properties; in the North East, the number of HMOs with Category 1 hazards has increased by 130%, while the West Midlands is up 70%.

Inspect

Inventory Base is urging HMO landlords to take proactive steps to inspect, document, and address any potential risks before enforcement action escalates.

Operations director Sián Hemming-Metcalfe says these hazards aren’t technicalities - they’re life-threatening. She adds: “For too long, weak enforcement has let hazards fester. Responsible landlords are held back by those who don’t play by the rules and tenants are the ones who suffer.”

Survey

Meanwhile, a survey by cash house buyer Sell House Fast found that the highest proportion of non-decent homes is in the PRS, with 21% of all these homes falling into this category. Calderdale in West Yorkshire has the biggest problems, where more than two-fifths (42%) of private tenants have to deal with serious issues.

Interestingly, the most common Category 1 hazard in private rented homes is falls on stairs, with damp only coming in at fifth place.

MD Jack Malnick comments: “Tripping hazards and structural issues are especially problematic, as falls on stairs can be extremely dangerous and lead to serious injury. Often, uneven floors and loose wires can be an easy fix to eliminate this category one issue.”

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Hmos
Decent homes standard

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