Houses in Multiple Accommodation

Any building, house or flat, which is occupied by persons who do not form a single household, is classed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

North Norfolk District Council has a register of all HMOs, and the registration scheme ensures that the premises are regularly inspected for safety and legislative requirements for the protection of both tenants and landlords.

If you have a complaint, want advice or wish to check to see if your property is on the register, or want an application form, contact Simon Hawes (Environmental Health Officer - Strategic Housing) on 01263 516286.

A guide for owners and occupiers is also available.

Registration of Houses in Multiple Occupation - YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is the Registration Control Scheme?
The Registration Scheme is a provision, which came into force in July 1998 making it a duty for Landlords to register their Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with the Council. The Scheme applies to the whole of the North Norfolk District Council.

What is an HMO?

An HMO is a House in Multiple Occupation. Any house or flat, which is occupied by persons who do not form a single household, is classed as an HMO.

Does every HMO have to be registered?

The Scheme requires the registration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). However in view of the fact that there are exemptions in certain cases it is necessary to carry out an initial appraisal to establish whether or not an HMO is required to be registered.

Exemptions from registration

Please note that even if an HMO is not eligible for registration it is still required to comply with the appropriate legislation and fire safety standards.

Listed below are some of the most common exemptions from the Scheme. These do not have to be registered, despite being an HMO:

1. Local Authority owned property.

2. Any Registered Home.

3. Houses occupied by a Landlord and his/her family with up to 3 other person in occupation.

4. Any house occupied by 2 households.

5. Any house occupied by no more than 4 persons

6. Houses which have been converted to self-contained flats as long as 1/3 have been let on minimum 21 year leases and are occupied entirely by the leaseholder and their families.

7. Houses which have been converted to self-contained flats as long as 1/3 are occupied by any freeholder of the house and their families.

8. Houses which have been converted to self-contained flats in accordance with the Building Regulations relevant to fire safety.

9. Houses which are controlled by a registered Social Landlord.

10. Houses which are controlled by a university or college.

How much does it cost?

In the case of an HMO which has to be registered, a registration fee, currently £60 per letting, is payable. The fee is required to be submitted to this department together with an application form.

On or before expiry of any period of registration (currently five years) application must be made to the Council for a further period of registration. The fee for renewal will be one half of the fee payable at that time for a first registration.

What is a letting?

A letting is defined as each household paying the rent either on one room or several.

Offences and penalties

Section 348G of the Housing Act 1996 makes it an offence for any person to contravene, or fail to comply with, any provisions of the scheme. The penalties are as follows:

a) Where a house is occupied in excess of the permitted limit, a maximum fine of level 5 on the standard scale, currently £5,000.

b) In the case of any contravention, or failure to comply with the provisions of the scheme, a maximum fine of level 4 on the standard scale, currently £2,500.

Planning Permission and other statutory requirements

Compliance with the provisions of this Scheme does not confer exemption from the need to obtain any Planning Permission or Building Regulation Approval necessary for operation of a house as a House in Multiple Occupation.

Who is responsible?

If the HMO is required to be registered, the person having control of or managing the property or receiving the rents (ie the responsible person) must apply to register the house with the Authority and pay the appropriate fee. Where it is proposed to convert a property for use as an HMO the responsible person must apply for registration prior to that use.

The Council must be informed immediately should any details that are registered with the Council regarding occupation and amenities vary, other than a reduction in the number of occupants.

Are there any Grants available?

Details of grants and loans that may be available can be found on our private sector housing page