Multiple occupancy homes

Within Lewes District Council there are about 250 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). An HMO is defined, simply as

'A house that was originally constructed as a single dwelling, but has subsequently been converted for use by more than one household’.

Within Lewes District the most common type of HMO is the large victorian property converted in two or more self contained flats, although bedsits and some shared houses do come under the definition.

All HMOs must comply with the basic fitness standard, however there are additional requirements covering adequate fire precautions, means of escape in case of fire and appropriate management levels.

Lewes District Council, recently undertook to assess all of it’s HMOs in regard to their condition, adequacy of existing fire precautions and current management levels. This risk assessment has assisted the Council to target the worst HMOs and improve the living condition of their occupiers.

On 6th April 2006 Mandatory HMO licensing comes into effect.  After this date a register will be published of all the properties covered by this new legislation.  The Housing Hazard Safety Rating System, the new way of assessing a property's condition will also come into force at this time.

Contact Details: Telephone 01273 471600 or email ehealth@lewes.gov.uk