In the UK, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) properties have specific regulations regarding minimum room sizes to ensure adequate living conditions for tenants. These regulations were updated in October 2018 and are enforced under the Housing Act 2004. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the minimum room sizes for HMO properties:
Minimum Room Sizes for HMO Properties
- Bedrooms:
- Single Occupancy: The minimum floor area for a room used as a bedroom by one person aged over 10 years must be at least 6.51 square meters (approximately 70 square feet).
- Double Occupancy: The minimum floor area for a room used as a bedroom by two persons aged over 10 years must be at least 10.22 square meters (approximately 110 square feet).
- Children Under 10 Years: The minimum floor area for a room used as a bedroom by one person aged under 10 years must be at least 4.64 square meters (approximately 50 square feet).
- Communal Areas:
- There are no specific national minimum sizes for communal living areas (such as kitchens and living rooms) in HMOs, but local councils may have their own standards. It is essential to check with the relevant local authority for any additional requirements.
Additional Requirements
- Head Height: Rooms must have a reasonable ceiling height. Any floor area where the ceiling height is less than 1.5 meters cannot be counted towards the minimum room size.
- Storage and Layout: The layout and usable space within the room should allow for practical and safe living conditions, including adequate space for furniture and storage.
Enforcement and Compliance
- Licensing: HMOs are subject to licensing by local authorities, who will inspect the property to ensure it meets all regulatory standards, including room sizes.
- Penalties: Landlords who do not comply with these minimum room size requirements can face penalties, including fines and revocation of their HMO license.
Local Authority Variations
- Local Standards: While the above are the national minimum standards, local councils can impose stricter requirements. It is advisable to consult the specific local authority’s HMO standards for any additional conditions that may apply.
- Fire Safety and Amenities: Local authorities also have requirements regarding fire safety, kitchen and bathroom amenities, and overall property maintenance that must be adhered to in addition to room size regulations.
Summary
The minimum room sizes for HMO properties are designed to ensure that tenants have sufficient space for living and sleeping. The key minimum sizes are:
- Single Occupancy (over 10 years): 6.51 m²
- Double Occupancy (over 10 years): 10.22 m²
- Single Occupancy (under 10 years): 4.64 m²
Landlords must ensure that their HMO properties comply with these standards and any additional local authority requirements to maintain their licenses and avoid penalties.