Residential Landlords and Houses of Multiple Occupation (“HMOs”)

Over the last decade more and more people have decided to invest their money in property and have become residential landlords. However, such a position is not always as straightforward as it may appear and if you are a residential landlord you will owe a “duty of care” to your tenants and this comes with a number of legal obligations. The position is even more regulated for Houses of Multiple Occupation (“HMOs”) who must additionally comply with The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

For both residential landlords and landlords of HMOs the health and safety issues are principally in the areas of fire safety, providing good and clean accommodation, the safety of gas and electrical supplies and the water and drainage systems. Simply-Docs has created two new health and safety policies to aid residential landlords in keeping up with their legal obligations and protecting their tenants and themselves from harm.

Residential Landlord Health and Safety Policy

This Residential Landlord Health & Safety Policy is designed to ensure that private landlords of residential rented properties are aware of and comply with their health and safety obligations.

HMO Landlord Health and Safety Policy

This HMO Landlord Health & Safety Policy is designed to help owners of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) fulfil their health and safety responsibilities towards their tenants. This policy is suitable whether the property is owned by the landlord as an individual or by a company.

Whether or not the HMO is licensed by the local authority, landlords have certain duties towards tenants. This policy template sets out the key compliance obligations of a HMO landlord.