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 3: Cases where person is treated as occupying accommodation as only or main residence

Section 3 outlines the fact that people count as occupants only if the accommodation is their only or main residence. However, accommodation occupied by a student during term time is regarded as that person’s only or main residence.  People staying in domestic violence refuges are to be treated as occupying them as their only or main residence. A seasonal worker who is resident in accommodation during the period that they are engaged in seasonal work, are treated as occupying it as their only or main residence.