Council acts to protect residents

An HMO is a house or property in multiple occupation, rented by at least three people who are not from the same 'household' but share facilities like a bathroom and kitchen. Properties with five occupiers and above require an HMO licence.

Last July, a report was received by Broadland District Council’s Housing Standards Team regarding numerous people occupying the flat above Blofield Post Office. The allegation stated the property was being occupied by multiple people believed to be sharing bedrooms on a shift system to fit in with their work rotas.
Over the next three months Council officers conducted in-depth investigations involving visits to the property to establish the numbers of occupiers, and to discover if the property was operating in a safe and legally compliant manner.

Following those investigations, the landlord was interviewed under caution to discuss the condition of the property and the fact the property had been allowed to operate as an HMO without the required licence, and in a manner that had put the occupant’s health, safety and wellbeing at risk.
HMOs are often occupied by the most vulnerable people in our society, and properties that were not built for multiple occupation can carry greater risks to safety, especially fire risks through overcrowding.

Broadland District Council Cabinet member, Cllr Natasha Harpley said:

“The Council has a proactive team identifying and enforcing against non-compliant HMOs. While houses in multiple occupation form a vital part of the housing sector, the Council will not tolerate sub-standard accommodation putting the lives of residents at risk and we will take enforcement action as required to protect our residents.”

If you have suspicions that a property in either South Norfolk or Broadland is operating as an illegal HMO or you have safety concerns concerning the condition of a property please contact the Housing Standards Team at hstandards.bdc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk