Room Sizes
Local authorities are seeking to import Housing Act 1985 standards into their own guidelines for the purposes of property licensing and this is incorrect, artificial and restrictive.
There are national standards concerning things like kitchens, fire standards, bathrooms and sinks BUT there is no national standard room size which sets an unacceptable minimum area of space for the purposes of a HMO licence.
Local authorities have their own guidance but it is guidance only. Local authorities can set space standards but they must not exclude the possibility that a smaller room might still be acceptable.
A local authority may not refuse a licence on the basis that the property has not met a local authority standard.
Whether it is acceptable depends on a holistic view of the particular property and the particular circumstances of the occupants, the space and amenity in the rest of the property or unit of accommodation, the shape of the space and its intended use. The issue for the local authority to consider is the “suitability” of the accommodation. A HMO licence cannot be refused on the basis that a local authority standard on room size has not been met.
If you have a dispute with a local authority on room size and would like representation contact us on 0207 404 1147.
There are national standards concerning things like kitchens, fire standards, bathrooms and sinks BUT there is no national standard room size which sets an unacceptable minimum area of space for the purposes of a HMO licence.
Local authorities have their own guidance but it is guidance only. Local authorities can set space standards but they must not exclude the possibility that a smaller room might still be acceptable.
A local authority may not refuse a licence on the basis that the property has not met a local authority standard.
Whether it is acceptable depends on a holistic view of the particular property and the particular circumstances of the occupants, the space and amenity in the rest of the property or unit of accommodation, the shape of the space and its intended use. The issue for the local authority to consider is the “suitability” of the accommodation. A HMO licence cannot be refused on the basis that a local authority standard on room size has not been met.
If you have a dispute with a local authority on room size and would like representation contact us on 0207 404 1147.