Houses in Multiple Occupation amenity guidance

Where the number of persons sharing a communal room is not given, the Private Sector Housing team will use its discretion regarding the total amount of floor area required. 

Shared kitchens

Shared kitchens will be intensely used with perhaps several people attempting to prepare their own separate meals at the same time.

It is therefore important for there to be adequate space for all of the facilities as detailed in sub-section 3.0. The kitchen is to be properly arranged so that food can be safely and hygienically prepared and cooked.

The overall floor area may not be so important as the useable space available. For instance a large kitchen with three or four doorways opening into it may have less usable space than a smaller kitchen with only one or two doorways.

Kitchens must not be shared by more than 10 persons unless written permission to do so has been sought and granted by the Private Sector Housing Division.

Shared lounges

If shared lounge space is provided then it shall be a minimum of 11.0 m² for the first 5 users and 1.5m² for each additional user, subject to the discretion of the Private Sector Housing Division. It must contain adequate seating for the number of users, a coffee table and a television should be provided. (A current TV Licence must be in place).

Dining rooms

Dining rooms shall contain sufficient tables and chairs for the number of users.

Kitchen/dining rooms

Shared kitchens/diners will be intensely used with perhaps several people attempting to prepare and eat their own separate meals at the same time.

It is therefore important that there is adequate space for all of the facilities. The kitchen/diner is to be properly arranged so that food can be safely and hygienically prepared and cooked.

The overall floor area may not be so important as the useable space available. For instance a large kitchen/diner with three or four doorways opening into it may have less usable space than a smaller kitchen with only one or two doorways.

Kitchens shall not be shared by more than 10 persons unless written permission to do so has been sought and granted by the Private Sector Housing Division.

Lounge/dining rooms