Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) can offer good quality affordable accommodation to people who cannot afford to buy their own homes and are not eligible for council housing.

HMO standards

Although houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) provide a good source of housing, it is possible to find the very worst housing standards in HMOs. These tenants are most at risk from poor management.

Because of this, most of the standards for HMOs are set by the Government and are minimum requirements. Other standards are given as a guide to what we believe is reasonable for the health and safety of the people living there.

The standards include:

  • fire precautions and means of escape in case of fire
  • adequate amenities (kitchen and bathrooms) are provided
  • adequate space is available to tenants and there is no overcrowding
  • proper management is in place

To measure other risks in HMOs, in particular repair and fire safety risks, we use the housing health and safety hazard rating system (HHSRS).

Summary standards guides

Checking HMO standards

We carry out routine inspections of all known HMOs in Lambeth. If conditions are not up to the required standards the landlord is required to improve them.

Also, if a landlord wants to set up a new HMO, one of our officers will visit the property and give advice on the requirements for the property.

We also respond to complaints received from occupying tenants or other people or services.

Reporting Disrepair and Suspected Unlicensed HMOs

Reports of disrepair within a licensed or suspected unlicensed HMO should be reported via our online portal.  at Report a private housing issue. There are a wide range of issues that can be reported via our online form, and you do not need to be a tenant of the property to raise any health and safety concerns with us.

All cases will be reviewed, and if we can intervene, they will be allocated to an officer who will investigate the issues reported to us.

Please note the following:

  • HMO cases can take time to investigate properly and robustly.
  • Please be patient, as officers carry large and challenging caseloads.
  • We will first attempt to resolve HMO enforcement matters and breaches informally.

Should you encounter any issues with the online reporting form, please email HMOLicensing@lambeth.gov.uk for assistance. You can also email to request or provide an update on a case which you have submitted online.