What responsibilities does the landlord of a HMO have?

With shared houses and flats that are classed as HMOs, the landlord has to make sure that:

• proper fire safety measures are in place - there should be smoke detectors in every bedroom and in communal areas, and the kitchen must have a heat detector

• annual gas safety checks are carried out

• electrics are checked every 5 years

• the property is not overcrowded

• there are adequate cooking and washing facilities

• communal areas and shared facilities are clean and in good repair

• there are enough rubbish bins for everyone living in the house.

These rules are there to reduce the risk of fire, and to make sure that people living in shared houses or flats have access to decent facilities.