Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

A House in Multiple Occupation is, in simple terms, defined as any household which is occupied by persons who do not form a single household.

The identification and determination of whether a house is in multiple occupation will rest with the district/borough council.

When the local council are satisfied that a house is an HMO, it is for them to decide whether the means of escape from the premises is satisfactory.

Where they are of the opinion that the means of escape and/or other fire precautions are not satisfactory, they will consult with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

To this end, a joint protocol (PDF 569Kb) between the local councils and the Fire and Rescue Service has been drafted.