14. HMO standards
The council’s HMO standards have been in place for many years. They are reviewed on a regular basis and, where necessary or appropriate, updated and revised to reflect changes in legislation and guidance and, where applicable, changes in the types of buildings it covers. The overall aim of the HMO standards is to provide a consistent approach to what is required and to ensure that properties meet minimum standards and, ideally where possible, to exceed them.
The council’s HMO standards include requirements on minimum room sizes; what is required in terms of bathroom, WC and cooking facilities for the number of persons occupying a property; provision of items and appliances including for example heating, number of electrical sockets; and guidance on fire safety; as well as other associated housing condition items.
The current standards will be updated to include any changes that are required or considered appropriate for those properties that will be covered by an additional licensing scheme, although the current standards should cover most properties that would fall into the new licensing regime.
The most up-to-date and current version of the council’s HMO standards are always available on the council’s website on the HMO page https://www.arun.gov.uk/hmo/ Landlords and agents should check these pages regularly to ensure they are compliant with any changes or updates that are made.