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Handy HMO Compliance Checklist

Quick checklist for all HMOs.

There are two types of HMO management regulations, this page provides a quick checklist for all HMOs. For more detail about the legislation for your property and to download the relevant full checklists, please go to HMO management regulations.

Manager's Duties

  • Ensure compliance with manager's duties for all applicable parts of the HMO.

Provide Information to Occupiers

  • Display name, address, and telephone contact number prominently in common areas.
  • Display of the license, gas certificate, EICR, and building insurance for licensed HMOs.

Safety Measures

  • Ensure all means of escape are free from obstruction and maintained.
  • If more than 5 people live in the building, emergency escape signs must be displayed.
  • Maintain firefighting equipment and fire alarms in good working order:
    • Fire blanket
    • Fire extinguishers (tests)
    • Control panel (interlinked panel)
    • Smoke detectors
    • Emergency lighting
  • Display fire escape signs in shared areas.
  • Take necessary steps to keep occupants safe from injury:
    • Consider building design, condition, and occupancy.
    • Ensure safety of roofs, balconies, and low windows.

Maintain Water Supply and Drainage

  • Keep water supply and drainage systems in good, clean, and working condition.
  • Protect water fittings from frost and cover water storage tanks.
  • Do not unfairly stop water or drainage for any occupant.

Supply and Maintain Gas and Electricity

  • Provide the latest gas safety certificate to the Council within 7 days.
  • Ensure uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity.
  • Check the fixed electrical system every 5 years and provide results to the Council within 7 days.

Maintain Common Parts, Fixtures, Fittings, and Appliances

  • Keep shared areas in good, clean condition, safe, and free from clutter.
  • Ensure no damp or mould in shared areas.
  • Maintain handrails, banisters, stair coverings, windows, and light fittings.
  • Keep shared fixtures, fittings, and appliances in good, safe, and clean working condition.
  • Maintain outbuildings, yards, forecourts, gardens, boundary walls, fences, and railings.
  • Keep unused parts of the building and passages clean and free from rubbish.

Maintain Living Accommodation

  • Ensure living units and provided furniture are clean when new occupants move in.
  • Maintain the inside of the building in good condition, free from damp or mould.
  • Keep lights, sinks, and other equipment in good condition and clean.
  • Maintain windows and ventilation in good condition.
  • Note any issues with notes and pictures (with permission).
  • Ensure handrails, banisters, stair coverings, windows, and light fittings are kept in good condition.

Provide Waste Disposal Facilities

  • Ensure enough bins or containers for waste storage.
  • Make arrangements for waste disposal considering local council services.

Tenants' Duties

Tenants must:

    • Not hinder the manager's duties.
    • Allow manager access at reasonable times.
    • Provide necessary information to the manager.
    • Avoid damaging managed property.
    • Follow rules for waste disposal.
    • Adhere to fire safety instructions.