Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland
Houses In Multiple Occupation
Made
7th March 2019
Coming into operation
1st April 2019
1. These Regulations may be cited as the Houses in Multiple Occupation (Hazards) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 and shall come into operation on 1st April 2019.
2.—(1) A hazard is of a prescribed description for the purposes of the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 where the risk of harm is associated with the occurrence of any of the matters or circumstances listed in the Schedule.
(2) In the Schedule, a reference to a matter or circumstance is, unless otherwise stated, to a matter or circumstance in or, as the case may be, at the HMO in question, or in any building or land in the vicinity of the HMO.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department for Communities on 7th March 2019.
(L.S.)
David Polley
A senior officer of the Department for Communities
1. Exposure to house dust mites, damp, mould or fungal growths.
2. Exposure to low temperatures.
3. Exposure to high temperatures.
4. Exposure to asbestos fibres or MMF.
5. Exposure to chemicals used to treat timber and mould growth.
6. Exposure to:—
(a)carbon monoxide;
(b)nitrogen dioxide;
(c)sulphur dioxide and smoke.
7. The ingestion of lead.
8. Exposure to radiation.
9. Exposure to uncombusted fuel gas.
10. Exposure to volatile organic compounds.
11. A lack of adequate space for living and sleeping.
12. A lack of adequate security against unauthorised entry.
13. A lack of adequate lighting.
14. Exposure to noise.
15.—(1) Poor design layout or construction such that the HMO cannot readily be kept clean.
(2) Exposure to pests.
(3) An inadequate provision for the hygienic storage and disposal of household waste.
16. An inadequate provision of facilities for the storage, preparation and cooking of food.
17. An inadequate provision of:—
(a)facilities for maintaining good personal hygiene;
(b)sanitation and drainage.
18. An inadequate supply of water free from contamination, for drinking and other domestic purposes.
19. Falls associated with toilets, baths, showers or other washing facilities.
20. Falling on any level surface or falling between surfaces where the change in level is less than 300 millimetres.
21. Falling between levels where the difference in levels is 300 millimetres or more.
22. Falling on stairs, steps or ramps where the change in level is 300 millimetres or more.
23. Exposure to electricity.
24. Exposure to uncontrolled fire and associated smoke.
25. Contact with:—
(a)controlled fire or flames;
(b)hot objects, liquid or vapours.
26. Collision with, or entrapment of a person in doors, windows or other architectural features.
27. An explosion at the HMO.
28. The position, location and operability of amenities, fittings and equipment.
29. The collapse of the whole or part of the HMO.
(This note is not part of the Order)
Section 54 of the Houses in Multiple Occupation (Northern Ireland) Act 2016 defines a hazard in an HMO as a risk of harm to the health and safety of any actual or potential occupier of an HMO. Regulation 2 and the Schedule prescribe descriptions of hazards with reference to the occurrence of matters or circumstances listed in the Schedule.
see section 1(7) of the Departments Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 c.5 (N.I.)