Yes, you need an HMO license for 3 tenants in Manchester as per the mandatory licensing scheme. The HMO license is a legal requirement for landlords who rent out properties with three or more tenants from two or more households that share basic amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what an hmo license entails, the criteria to obtain one, and the consequences of failing to comply with these regulations.
We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to make the application process more manageable so that you can secure the license required for your property in Manchester without any trouble.
Understanding HMOs
As a landlord with multiple tenants in Manchester, you need to understand what an hmo is and the regulations that govern it.
Definition Of Hmo
Hmo stands for house in multiple occupations, which refers to a property rented out to three or more people from more than one household. It must have shared facilities such as the kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.
Types Of Hmos
There are different types of HMOs, including standard hmos, large HMOs, and self-contained flats.
- Standard hmos: Typically, these properties are rented out to three or more tenants who share facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom.
- Large HMOs: These are properties rented to five or more tenants from more than one household, and who share facilities.
- Self-contained flats: These types of HMOs are flats that have been converted into self-contained units with shared facilities.
Regulations For Hmos In Manchester
As a landlord with an hmo in manchester, it is essential to know the regulations that you must comply with.
- Licensing: All hmos in manchester must be licensed by the local council. Even if you have only three tenants, you still need a license.
- Safety standards: You must comply with safety standards such as gas, electric, and fire safety regulations.
- Waste management: As a landlord, you are responsible for the disposal of your tenants’ waste.
- Maintenance and repair: You must ensure that the property is well maintained and any repairs are done promptly to avoid any accidents.
If you have three or more tenants in a property in manchester from different households, you need an hmo license.
It is also crucial to comply with the relevant regulations, such as applying for a license, ensuring safety standards are met, proper waste management, and maintenance and repairs.
Criteria For Hmo Licensing In Manchester
If you plan on renting your property in manchester to three or more tenants, you may need a hmo (house in multiple occupation) license.
The licensing requirements for hmos in manchester are crucial to ensure the safety of the tenants living in such properties.
Here are the key criteria you need to know about before renting out your hmo:
Number Of Storeys And Tenants
Your property is considered a hmo if:
- It is rented to three or more tenants from more than one household.
- The tenants share common facilities, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
- Your property has three or more storeys.
If your property has fewer than three storeys and is home to 5 or more people, you will still need a licence. Make sure to check this guidance with the council before renting your property.
Shared Facilities And Amenities
Minimizing disputes and ensuring tenant safety is vital when it comes to shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens.
The health and safety hazards that common areas can pose are significant, so landlords need to minimize risks for tenants. Your hmo must meet requirements in the following areas:
- Shared areas must be maintained in good order and condition to ensure safe use by tenants.
- The kitchen and bathroom areas must be cleaned and disinfected regularly to eradicate the risk of infection and disease.
- Adequate provision of facilities such as heating, cooking appliances, and washing areas must be made available to tenants.
Minimum Room Sizes And Standards
In hmo properties, each bedroom must meet specific minimum sizes for individual use to safeguard a tenant’s right to adequate living space.
These standards are in place to ensure tenants have sufficient living conditions. Here are the typical requirements for hmo bedrooms in manchester:
- A single bedroom must have a minimum floor area of 6.51 square meters.
- A double bedroom must have a minimum floor area of 10.22 square meters.
- In addition to the minimum square meterage, each bedroom must have adequate heating, ventilation, and natural light.
Fire And Safety Measures
Fire safety is a critical area where hmo properties must comply. As an hmo landlord, you must provide adequate fire safety measures in your property. You can ensure the safety of your tenants by:
- Providing working fire alarms in all the rooms of the property.
- Placing smoke detectors in communal areas, such as kitchens and living rooms.
- Check regularly that the fire equipment in the property is in good working capacity and test alarms at intervals set by the council.
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that the hmo property is up to standard and meets the relevant licensing requirements before renting it to tenants.
Not only does adhering to these criteria ensure tenant safety, but it also safeguards you from legal action.
Exceptions And Exemptions For Hmo Licensing
If you’re a landlord in manchester, you might be wondering if you need an hmo license for your property. In some cases, you might be exempt from this requirement. Here are some common exceptions and exemptions for hmo licensing:
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
If you own purpose-built student accommodation, it might be exempt from hmo licensing. To qualify for this exemption, your property must meet the following conditions:
- The property is purpose-built for students and is either owned by a higher education institution or a registered provider of social housing.
- The majority of the occupants are full-time students.
- The property is managed by the higher education institution or registered provider of social housing.
Self-Contained Flats And Conversions
If your property consists of self-contained flats or has been converted into self-contained flats, it might not require hmo licensing. However, there are some conditions you need to meet:
- Each flat must have its own kitchen, toilet, and bathing facilities.
- The conversion must meet the requirements of the building regulations 1991 or later regulations.
- The property must not be a purpose-built flat for students, military personnel, or those with care needs.
Converted Buildings With Fewer Than Three Tenants
If you own a converted building with fewer than three tenants, it might not require hmo licensing. However, there are some conditions you need to meet:
- The property was converted before 1991 and meets the requirements of the building regulations in force at the time of conversion.
- The property has fewer than three tenants and is not a purpose-built flat for students, military personnel, or those with care needs.
If you own purpose-built student accommodation, self-contained flats, or converted buildings with fewer than three tenants, you might be exempt from hmo licensing.
However, you still need to ensure that your property meets the relevant conditions and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions On Do I Need A Hmo Licence For 3 Tenants In Manchester?
Do I Need An Hmo Licence For Three Tenants In Manchester?
Yes, if the property has three or more tenants from two or more households, you need an hmo licence in manchester.
How Much Does An Hmo Licence Cost In Manchester?
The hmo licence fee in manchester varies depending on the number of bedrooms in the property, but it’s typically around £800.
What Are The Requirements For Obtaining An Hmo Licence In Manchester?
To obtain an hmo licence in manchester, you must have a suitable person managing the property, ensure that the property meets certain safety standards, and provide adequate facilities for tenants.
What Happens If I Don’T Obtain An Hmo Licence In Manchester?
Failure to obtain an hmo licence in manchester can result in a fine of up to £20,000 and a criminal record. It’s important to comply with the law to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of your tenants.
Conclusion
Navigating the rules for an HMO licence in Manchester can be complex, but if you have only 3 tenants in a single household, you typically won’t need one. Stay informed and consult local regulations to ensure you’re always in compliance.