Standards, conditions and regulations apply to licensed HMOs. We recommend that you discuss the requirements with Housing Services before you go ahead with costly improvement works, to ensure they are appropriate and necessary for your property.
HMO Licensing Standards
Standards for Licensed HMOs provide a consistent approach across licensed HMOs and are the minimum requirements for fire precautions and household amenities such as kitchens and sanitary provision to ensure safe and healthy homes.
What happens if I do not meet all the standards when making an application
HMO Licensing Conditions
A standard set of management and safety conditions developed through consultation with stakeholders will be applied to all licenses.
Please note that not all the conditions will be applicable to all properties.
Good Practice Documents to accompany the HMO Licensing Conditions
Minimum room sizes in licensed HMOs:
There is a minimum bedroom size requirement: 6.51m2 for a single occupancy and 10.22m2 for a double occupancy in licensable HMOs with the minimum ceiling height of 1.5m. Bedrooms below these sizes will be disregarded. All licensed properties with single bedrooms less than 6.51m2 will need to be either extended or not used as bedrooms. This will apply to new licences and licence renewals with a condition to complete works to comply with the new standards. Click here for more information.
To measure the bedroom size, an inspecting officer will check the size between the walls (not skirting boards) and multiply the measurement: i.e.3.25mx2.50m=8.125m2. Some spaces, like stairs leading to the loft room would not be counted as a usable space.
Regulations
One of the requirements of licensing is that Housing Services ensure that any significant health and safety hazards are dealt with appropriately and where needed, action is taken by the landlord to make the home safe and healthy.
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Management Regulations for HMOs
Management Regulations for HMOs converted into self-contained flats
Guidance:
Conditions for recycling, rubbish and gardens
LACORS Housing Fire Safety Guidance
West of England Fire Safety Protocol
West of England Private Housing Information website