Safety inspection - homes in multiple occupation
If the conditions in Houses in Multiple Occupation
we inspect are not up to standard, the landlord or owner is
required to improve them.
It is the responsibility of the manager of the property to
ensure that the following are maintained in repair, clean condition
and good order (including, where appropriate, proper working
order):
Water supply, drainage and general services
All means of water supply and drainage in the house must be
maintained, repaired, kept clean and be protected against frost
damage. Tanks and cisterns should be clean and covered. The manager
must not unreasonably cause the supply of water, gas or electricity
to be interrupted.
Parts and installations in common use
The manager must also ensure that common areas such as
staircases, passageways, corridors and entrances are kept
reasonably free from obstruction. All handrails and banisters and
any stair coverings should be kept repaired or replaced or be
provided where necessary for the safety of the residents.
Included are installations that serve any part of the house in
common use:
- Installations for the supply of gas and electricity, for
lighting and for space heating or heating water
- Sanitary conveniences, baths, sinks, washbasins and
installations for cooking or storing food
- Receptacles or other installations provided in connection with
the delivery to the house of postal packets
- Other installations (if any) in a kitchen, bathroom, lavatory
or washroom which are not subject to any of the foregoing
provisions of these Regulations
Living accommodation
The internal structure of any part of the house occupied by a
resident as his living accommodation including the installations
for supply of water, gas, electricity, and sanitation are in and
remain in good repair.
Lighting, windows and ventilation
Includes all windows and other means of ventilation. The manager
must ensure that installations for lighting serving any part of the
house in common use are readily available to residents, including
lighting for staircases and entrances to the house, which are used
by residents whether or not they are in common use.
Means of escape from fire
All means of escape from fire in the house and all apparatus,
systems and other fire precaution equipment must be maintained and
kept free from obstruction. It is the responsibility of the manager
to display in suitable positions in the house signs indicating all
means of escape from fire in the house.
Outbuildings in common use
Includes all outbuildings, and outside areas which belong to the
house and are in common use. They should be maintained in good
clean condition, and any boundary walls, fences and railings should
be kept in good repair so as not to constitute a danger to
residents.
The manager should also ensure:
- That refuse and litter is not allowed to accumulate in the
house, except when pending disposal, and he should provide and
maintain suitable refuse and litter bins, except where they are
provided by the local authority. They are also responsible for the
disposal of any refuse if the local authority fails to do so.
- That reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the general
safety of the residents of the house with regard to the structural
conditions of the house and to prevent access to any areas that are
unsafe, including window sills that are at or near floor
level.
- That the name, address and telephone number of the managing
agent or landlord of the house is displayed in the house.
- The number of individuals and households accommodated within
the house
- The numbers of individuals in each household
- The purpose for which each room in the house is used
Duties of residents
It is the duty of all residents of the property to ensure that
the agent can effectively carry out his duties. All residents
must:
- Allow the manager access, at all reasonable times, to any
occupied room, that he may carry out his duties
- Provide the manager on request with any relevant
information
- comply with arrangements made by the agent in respect of fire
precautions or litter storage and disposal
- Take care not to hinder in any way the agent in the performance
of his duties
- Take reasonable care to avoid damaging anything which the agent
is under obligation to keep in good repair