If you’re an HMO landlord of a house in multiple occupation (HMO) of if you’re considering an HMO conversion, understanding and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding room sizes can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the minimum room size requirements for HMOs, including bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and kitchen diners to help you stay on the right side of regulations.

The Right Size for HMO Bedrooms

When it comes to bedroom sizes in HMOs, the regulations are outlined in “The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Mandatory Conditions of Licences) (England) Regulations 2018” and “Minimum Amenities Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation 2020”. Here are the minimum sizes:

• For one person over the age of 10, a bedroom must have a floor area of at least 6.51 square meters.
• For two people, the minimum size increases to 10.22 square meters.

However, local authorities may have their own requirements, so it’s best to check with them. Here are some examples:
 

• In Greenwich, a bedroom in an HMO with a separate kitchen must be at least 9 square meters.
• In Southwark and Lambeth, the minimum size is 10 square meters.

Cooking Up the Right Kitchen Size for HMOs

The guidelines for HMO kitchen sizes can be found in the “Minimum Amenities Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation 2020”. Here are the minimum sizes:

• A kitchen in an HMO must measure 7 square meters for every 5 residents.

However, local authorities may have their own requirements. Here are some examples:
 

• Southwark Council requires a minimum kitchen size of 8.5 square meters for 4 people, with an additional 1 square meter for each additional person.
• Greenwich Council sets its minimum kitchen size based on the number of residents in the HMO, with 5 residents requiring a minimum of 9.5 square meters and 10.5 square meters for 6 residents.
• Merton Council requires a minimum of 2 square meters per person.

Living Room Sizes for HMOs

Government guidelines set the minimum standard for HMO living rooms as 11 square meters for 5 people.

However, local authorities may have their own specific regulations. Here are some examples:
 

• Southwark Council requires a minimum living room size of 11 square meters for 4 to 6 people, with an additional 1 square meter for each additional person.
• In Redbridge Council, the communal living room must be at least 13 square meters for 3 people, with 1 square meter added for each additional person.
• Hammersmith and Fulham Council sets its minimum living room size based on the number of residents, with 8.5 square meters required for 3 to 4 residents and 11 square meters for 5 to 9 residents.

Kitchen Diner Sizes for HMOs

To ensure compliance with the Minimum Amenities Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation 2020, it is important to meet the minimum size requirements for a kitchen diner in an HMO. Here are the minimum sizes:

• For a 5 bed HMO where there are bedrooms measuring 6.51 square metres and no living room, the kitchen diner must be at least 11 square metres or 2.2 square metres per person.
• For 6 people, the minimum size would be 13.2 square metres.

However, local authorities may have varying requirements, so it is advisable to consult with your local council for specific regulations. For example, some councils may mandate a larger kitchen diner size, such as 12 square metres per 5 people or 16.5 square metres per 5 people.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your HMO property meets the minimum room size requirements set forth by your local authority is crucial. As a general rule of thumb, a living room in an HMO should be no smaller than 2 square meters per person, a kitchen should be no smaller than 1.4 square meters per person, and bedrooms should be no smaller than 6.51 square meters for one person.

Remember, the information provided in this article is only a general guidance, and it’s always best to check with your local council to ensure compliance with specific requirements.

If you need specialised HMO advice or are looking for an experienced HMO Letting Agent for your South London HMO, feel free to contact us.