HMO Question – are basins in bedrooms mandatory?

HMO Question – are basins in bedrooms mandatory?

15:19 PM, 9th November 2013, About 11 years ago 25

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Is it a legal requirement that every bedroom in a licensable HMO has to have a wash hand basin?

I have been jumping through hoops for a year to try and get a licence on a three storey 6-bed HMO. I had a letter from the council in 2011 saying that as I had three bathrooms and two separate WCs, all with wash hand basins, I didn’t have to put basins in the bedrooms, but would have to when I re-licensed in five years time. HMO - Bedrooms with basins mandatory?

I have now been given a draft of a licence to check which requires me to put basins in within two months.

Thanks

Edna

 


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Comments

Rob Crawford

10:20 AM, 16th August 2017, About 7 years ago

Hi Edna, who is your Local Authority? Others will be in a similar position to you. Do you not have a local landlord association who can represent you all??

Mark Crampton Smith

10:58 AM, 16th August 2017, About 7 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mike Strutter at 15/08/2017 - 14:06Hi Mike, I can only re-iterate what has happened in Oxford; There is no requirement to have a basin in every room, either in Statutory HMO's or in those subject to additional licensing. It might be worth going through the formal appeal process...... ultimately this would end up in a first tier tribunal.
On the basis that this requirement is unnecessary and unworkable and unenforced in large areas of the country?https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence
If you want to give them a bloody nose, you could do worse than engage the services of David Smith of Anthony Gold, he knows as much as any-one about the current policy and practice with EHOs, and has had many successful tussles.

Mike Strutter

23:34 PM, 17th August 2017, About 7 years ago

Trying to get hold of the council is a nightmare so wondering if someone can help. We have. 3 storey house that we are currently renovating to HMO Standard. It is a funny beast but basically I am hoping for 5 letting rooms which will probably be key to students. I can achieve this by omitting the top floor which we had originally looked to use as a bedroom. Due to the licensing issues with wash basins etc Will this still fall under licensing? Failing that what if I only let it to 4 people? The house has alarms fire doors etc but just trying work out the best situation. The definitions don't make sense to me. If anyone can advise that would be great. Ta

Mark Crampton Smith

9:48 AM, 18th August 2017, About 7 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mike Strutter at 17/08/2017 - 23:34
I am not familiar with your Local Authority. On the website it should be clear if they have introduced additional or selective licensing. assuming not, your property will still be a statutory HMO (having three floors and five occupants of two households) and therefore require a license. You should be able to contact an EHO who will offer a pre-application inspection. or at least tell you on the phone what minimum requirements they will be looking for. Even if you let to four occupants, you will need to comply with HHSRS and the requirements will be similar. If you need to call me and I might be able to help a bit more.

Mike Strutter

16:48 PM, 18th August 2017, About 7 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mark Crampton Smith at 18/08/2017 - 09:48
Thanks. House is pretty much to regs but it's the odds and AIDS that seem to take the time and interpretation and info is also a nightmare. Eho's all on leave doesn't help. There is no mention of the 300mm either side of cooker anywhere in info but have read this is now a requirement! Why is it that the amount of electrical sockets per kitchen and bedrooms vary wildly between councils. Surely there should just be one set of guidelines. It is infuriating to say the least. How would I contact you please if I needed anymore help before the council come off their holibobs. Ta

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