Explanatory Memorandum

Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

2016 CHAPTER 22

12 May 2016

Commentary on Sections

Part 1: Meaning of “House in Multiple Occupation”

Section 2: Definition of living accommodation

Section 2 defines “living accommodation” for the purposes of section 1.  A building, or part of a building, is living accommodation (i) if it is capable of being occupied as a separate dwelling or (ii) if it forms part of any building or group of buildings in single ownership and its occupants share a toilet, personal washing facilities or facilities for the preparation or provision of cooked food.  “Single ownership” is defined in subsections (2) and (3) in a way which prevents avoidance of the legislation by artificially dividing ownership of a property between members of a family or connected companies.