Housing standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

HMO standards – Housing Act 2004

The Housing Act 2004, which came into force on 6 April 2006, has had a significant impact on the private rented sector (PRS) and most notably, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Powers and changes contained within the Housing Act 2004 include:

  • The replacement of the ‘fitness standard’ with the Housing, Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) (Part 1, Housing Act 2004).
  • The change in the definition of a HMO (Section 254, Housing Act 2004).
  • The introduction of Mandatory HMO Licensing (Part 2, Housing Act 2004).