Housing -- Energy Auditing -- Urban Regeneration

Recruitment & Management Consultancy

Houses in Multiple Occupation

Multiple occupation is the occupation of a house by persons not forming a single household. This very wide definition may be justified by the wide variation of circumstances, which the law seeks to address but it has resulted in the courts being asked to rule on a range of issues.

At their best, HMOs can make a valuable contribution to the rented housing stock in a local authority's area by providing housing catering for specific need or by making a contribution to the overall housing provision.

At their worst, and regretfully this is all too often the case, occupants may be subjected to various forms of harassment and live in poorly maintained or overcrowded houses. Residents are often exposed to the risk of death by fire due to the lack of suitable and adequate fire precautions or have to live in houses with insufficient amenities.

How can we help

We will undertake:



Desktop and Physical Surveys to identify and estimate the location, condition and type of houses in multiple occupation

Provide the necessary software programs and implement assessment surveys to determine risk by HMO type and address

Identification of areas of concern on HMO type, e.g. lack of means of escape in case of fire, poor management, etc.

Identification of HMOs which a local authority has a statutory duty to inspect

Acquisition of data concerning portfolio properties

We can also assist with:



Policy and Standards development

Repair and amenities – enforcement and grant aid

Shared houses and student accommodation

Bed and Breakfast establishments used to accommodate homeless families

Awareness campaigns relating to safety of gas appliances

In-house training

Please feel free to Contact us for more information.