We expect houses in multiple occupation to meet standards relating to room sizes; kitchen and bathroom facilities. These issues affect how many people may be permitted to occupy a property. Separate guidance is also available relating to fire safety precautions.
Room sizes
Each bedroom must be big enough to be occupied. Occupancy may be restricted where they are not.
Houses of multiple occupation - minimum room sizes
|
Room
|
Minimum room size
|
| 1 person bedroom |
6.5 meters squared |
| 2 person bedroom |
10.5 meters squared |
| Kitchen facilities located within the letting (bedsit-type accommodation) |
13 meters squared |
All occupants may be counted, whatever age they are.
In addition, we may consider the overcrowding standards contained in Part 10 of the Housing Act 1985. Enough rooms must be provided so that a man and woman do not have to sleep in the same room if they are not partners.
Specific room sizes have not been set for kitchens and bathrooms, however there must be adequate space in the rooms for ease of use. Adequate ventilation, lighting and heating should also be present.
Amenities
The level of amenities required may form part of an assessment of whether the property is overcrowded. If works were required we would write to let you know what is needed. This could be enforced by service of a notice under Part 1 of the Housing Act.
The Council must also consider what facilities are appropriate when issuing a HMO Licence, any requirements would then be included as licence conditions.
Kitchens
Shared kitchens must have a sink; fridge; cooker and 1m worktop space, provided in a ratio of one appliance for every 6 occupants.
Each cooker in a shared kitchen must have four rings or burners, oven and grill (or equivalent). Cookers should be safely located with adequate space around them, on a secure surface.
In a non shared kitchen (e.g. a bedsit) a sink; fridge; cooker and worktop must be provided as above. A hob with two rings instead of four will suffice.
Four 13 amp electric sockets to be provided in each kitchen. In bedsits this those sockets required in non-kitchen areas do not count towards this.
Sinks must be provided with water that is safe to drink and a constant supply of hot water, and be properly connected to the drainage system.
Washing facilities
Wash basins are not normally required in bedrooms. Occasionally, depending on the layout (such as where the bathroom is not easily accessible) this may be required on a HMO licence condition.
Each room containing a toilet must be provided with a wash basin supplied with constant hot and cold water supplies and a splash-back. The basin must be connected to the foul water drainage system.
Baths or showers should be provided in a ratio of one appliance for every 5 occupants. The toilet should be provided in a separate room, however if more than one bathroom is required then up to half of these can be bathrooms with toilets inside the same room, with the other half as separate rooms. The Council will consider each property on a case by case basis.
Washbasins, showers and baths must be provided with potable a constant supply of hot and cold water, and be properly connected to the drainage system.
General notes
Although specific room sizes have not been set for kitchens and bathrooms, there must be adequate space in the rooms for ease of use. Adequate ventilation, lighting and heating should also be present.
The facilities provided should be of adequate size and appropriate for use and safely located.
When a property does not meet these requirements, the Council will consider how practical it is to fit new amenities. The action required could be to do works or limit the number of occupants, – either way appropriate timescales would be given to complete this.
Where a notice or licence are issued it is an offence not to comply with any conditions, but you will have a right of appeal. We usually try to inform landlords of what we expect informally before taking formal steps, in line with our enforcement policy. We will consider things such as how the issue came about; how serious the problem is; how practical it is to meet the standards above and any alternative proposals.
Private Sector Housing Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444302
Email: privatesectorhousing@guildford.gov.uk