The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
What is a Home in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?
A house in multiple occupation is a house or flat occupied by persons who do not form a single household. If individual rooms are let the house is probably an HMO.
How many people are allowed to live in a Home in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?
The number of occupants permitted depends on the size of bedrooms and the number of kitchen and bathroom facilities. At least 1 set of kitchen facilities is needed for every 5 occupants. At least 1 bathroom is needed for every 5 occupants. An HMO with 6 or more occupants may need planning permission.
For more information on this, contact the planning department on 01753 875837 or email planning@slough.gov.uk.
What are the landlords responsibilities in terms of safety for homes in multiple occupation (HMO)?
Contact the Private Sector Housing Team, who will be able to deal with occupancy levels and the standard of repair, management, facilities and fire precautions, in order to make the house safe. Private Sector Housing can not deal with the noise and nuisance arising from the behaviour of tenants. This is dealt with by the Public Health Team on telephone number (01753) 875255.
What are the safety duties of residents of homes in multiple occupation (HMO)?
Allow the manager access at all reasonable times so that he can carry out the above duties; and comply with any reasonable arrangements with regards to fire safety and rubbish disposal; and take reasonable care to avoid causing damage to anything which the landlord has a duty to keep in repair.
Are there safety grants available for homes in multiple occupation (HMO) towards fire precautions?
Yes. The council is currently offering up to £5000 per HMO, per landlord, towards fire precautions. For a licensable HMO (3 or more storeys) up to £7500. The grant is per HMO so a landlord can only have one grant and then another grant if resources allow.
What fire safety works would I need to do to make my house meet the necessary standards to let the rooms separately?
The house must have adequate means of escape in case of fire and other fire precautions. This usually includes fire doors, fire extinguishers, and a mains wired interlinked fire alarm system. The exact works depend on a number of factors including the layout and occupation of the property.
For more information, contact the Private Sector Housing Team who will then arrange an inspection to determine what will be required.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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