HMO landlords warned of fines under new waste regulations

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) landlords are being warned they could face a £5,000 fine for poor waste management under new rules.

Simpler Recycling legislation, set to come into effect in March next year, will mean every household in England will be required to have a separate weekly collection of food waste, including all purpose-built flats, HMOs such as student houses, and flats above shops.

Commercial waste management firm businesswaste.co.uk says HMO landlords may need to revise bin provisions to avoid fines.

Food waste will be collected separately from general rubbish

Under the new rules, food waste will be collected separately from general rubbish, which is often disposed of in black bins, a move the Labour government says will help reduce discarded food.

The firm claims HMOs tend to fall in a grey area, and it can be hard to determine who is responsible for waste compliance.

Tenants hold the responsibility for day-to-day waste sorting and ensuring the right items go into the right bins.

However, HMOs often have licensing requirements, which mean that landlords and managers must adhere to terms such as:

• Providing adequate bin space
• Ensuring the right type of bins are available
• Giving clear instructions to tenants
• Providing regular collections
• Some councils even require a written waste management plan

To stay ahead of the new rules, Businesswaste.co.uk says landlords need to do:

• If you work with a managing agent, ensure you clearly communicate what’s needed ahead of the new regulations coming into force.
• Audit your existing waste streams, number and capacity of bins and try to estimate what may increase.
• Ensure there is adequate capacity in bins and a suitable collection frequency to meet this increased level of waste.
• Ensure you have the right containers needed for all new waste streams.
• Communicate the new waste separation rules to your tenants.
• Consider what your local authority will deliver and what you must supply to meet your obligations.

Failing to comply can not only lead to costly fines but could also result in the loss of licences

Businesswaste.co.uk warns that non-compliance could result in a fixed-penalty notice of £5,000. Poor waste management, such as overflowing waste, contamination, pest issues, or unpleasant smells, could also trigger licensing concerns.

Mark Hall, landlord waste expert, said: “HMOs and larger rental properties with multiple tenants can fall into a bit of a grey area when it comes to waste, and it’s easy to see why managers and landlords may get confused.

“Failing to comply can not only lead to costly fines but could also result in the loss of licenses.

“If you are ever unsure of what your obligations are, speak to an expert. An audit of your premises is the best way to ensure you are meeting the needs of your tenants, complying with government guidelines and protecting yourself from any stress as a business owner.”

As previously reported by Property118, Sefton Council has warned landlords they must make proper arrangements for tenants to dispose of rubbish until the designated collection day, or face fines.