Burnley’s HMO standards

Burnley’s 2018 HMO Standards are available to download at the bottom of this page.

The standards apply to all HMO’s and incorporate the following legislation:

  • The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006
  • The Houses in Multiple Occupation (Management) (England) Regulations 2009
  • The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006.
  • The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Additional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2007.
  • The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018
  • The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Mandatory Conditions of Licences) (England) Regulations 2018

Burnley HMO standards briefly refer to the management of HMO’s.  The Council does have the Fit and Proper Person and Management Standards Criteria for HMO’s that it follows in assessing licence holders, managers and the management standards as part of the application process.  

All HMO’s are inspected under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

If you are intending on converting or changing a building for use as a HMO then you need to ensure that the building has the necessary planning permission in place.  Depending upon the type of building and it’s use, you may be required to submit a ‘change of use’ application to the Council.  Click here to find out more about Planning Permission and Change of Use. Please contact Burnley Council’s Development Control Team (Housing and Development Unit) for more information.  

If you are planning on carrying out any building work it will need to comply with any relevant Building Regulations.  Please contact Burnley Council’s Building Control Team (Housing and Development Unit) for more information.  

Fire Safety

A fire risk assessment is required to be carried out for each HMO.  Following completion of the risk assessment, identified actions must be taken to reduce the risk of fire, and to ensure that people can escape if there is a fire.

The LACORS Housing Fire Safety guidance document provides extensive guidance about ensuring adequate fire safety provisions are in place HMO’s. To download a copy please click on the file to the right hand side of this webpage.

For all licensable HMO’s, Burnley Council and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will carry out a joint inspection to provide advice and ensure that a HMO meets fire safety standards. It is advisable to contact the Council as early as possible so a fire safety inspection can be arranged. This will enable any requirements to be built into your plans at an early stage. 

For non-licensable HMO’s the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will offer advice specific to your property, and may be able to carry out a home fire safety visit.  Please contact Lancashire Fire & Rescue on 01282 429452.

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