Part 2

Licensing of houses in multiple occupation

Grant or refusal of licences

Tests as to suitability for multiple occupation
65
1
The local housing authority cannot be satisfied for the purposes of section 64(3)(a) that the house is reasonably suitable for occupation by a particular maximum number of households or persons if they consider that it fails to meet prescribed standards for occupation by that number of households or persons.
2
But the authority may decide that the house is not reasonably suitable for occupation by a particular maximum number of households or persons even if it does meet prescribed standards for occupation by that number of households or persons.
3
In this section “prescribed standards” means standards prescribed by regulations made by the appropriate national authority.
4
The standards that may be so prescribed include—
a
standards as to the number, type and quality of—
i
bathrooms, toilets, washbasins and showers,
ii
areas for food storage, preparation and cooking, and
iii
laundry facilities,
which should be available in particular circumstances; and
b
standards as to the number, type and quality of other facilities or equipment which should be available in particular circumstances.
S. 65 wholly in force at 16.6.2006; s. 65 in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent see s. 270(2)(b); s. 65 in force for E. at 6.4.2006 by S.I. 2006/1060, art. 2(1)(a) (with Sch.); s. 65 in force for W. at 16.6.2006 by S.I. 2006/1535, art. 2(a) (with Sch.)
Pt. 2 modified (E.) (1.10.2007) by The Houses in Multiple Occupation (Certain Blocks of Flats) (Modifications to the Housing Act 2004 and Transitional Provisions for section 257 HMOs) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1904), regs. 2-10
Pt. 2 modified (W.) (5.12.2007) by The Houses in Multiple Occupation (Certain Blocks of Flats) (Modifications to the Housing Act 2004 and Transitional Provisions for section 257 HMOs) (Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3231), regs. 2-10