Purpose

The purpose of this
decision is to agree changes that are being proposed to the
Council’s existing HMO standards. These standards were
reviewed to ensure that clarity and consistency is being provided
to landlords and agents. 
 
Most landlords provide
good spacious properties but providing basic guidance is good
practice to educate a new landlord and remind landlords on what is
required if they choose to refurbish their accommodation. The
additional guidance is mainly set around ensuring that shared space
is adequate in the property to provide healthy and safe living
accommodation.
 
The fire standards
were revised to ensure that the LACoRs
Housing Fire Safety guidance was being implemented. This is the
national standard for shared houses on single tenancies and those
where individual tenancies are given.
 
It has also been
decided that linked smoke detectors should be installed in all
habitable rooms whether there are locks or no locks to the doors.
This is because the change of occupancy is not always controlled by
the occupiers and the nature of these properties allows for the
occupation to change quickly. Tenants can also easily install a
lock to the back of their door without the owner/ agent knowing.
Having early warning of smoke/ fire will enable people to evacuate
quicker.

Content

To
support the amendments to the Council’s HMO
standards.