Houses in multiple occupation

[mem5000]

There doesn't seem to be much information with regards to house in multiple occupation on the net other than what constitutes one. I am British and my wife is American and we're working on applying for her visa. For the accommodation requirement we would like to say that we'll be living at my parents house until we are ready to move into our own place however long that may be. My parents own their house outright. It's a three bedroom semi-detached, through-lounge, two bathrooms, one Spam, an extension/dining room. These rooms are all over 50sq ft. (The property also has a hall, a landing, front and back gardens, a garage, and a shared driveway.) My parents would be in one room, my wife and I in another, and my sister, aged 26, in the third room. From my understanding of it, this would be classed as a house in multiple occupation. Is it adequate accommodation, or does it amount to overcrowding? Would I need approval from the local housing authority? If so, where and how can I contact them? The property is in the London Borough of Redbridge/Ilford, Essex.

Any help from anyone would be much appreciated!

[mochyn]

There doesn't seem to be much information with regards to house in multiple occupation on the net other than what constitutes one. I am British and my wife is American and we're working on applying for her visa. For the accommodation requirement we would like to say that we'll be living at my parents house until we are ready to move into our own place however long that may be. My parents own their house outright. It's a three bedroom semi-detached, through-lounge, two bathrooms, one Spam, an extension/dining room. These rooms are all over 50sq ft. (The property also has a hall, a landing, front and back gardens, a garage, and a shared driveway.) My parents would be in one room, my wife and I in another, and my sister, aged 26, in the third room. From my understanding of it, this would be classed as a house in multiple occupation. Is it adequate accommodation, or does it amount to overcrowding? Would I need approval from the local housing authority? If so, where and how can I contact them? The property is in the London Borough of Redbridge/Ilford, Essex.

Any help from anyone would be much appreciated!

I would have thought that the house would be classed as a family home and not multiple accommodation.To my way of thinking multiple accommodation is a house filled with non related people.The house seems to be fit for purpose as you have your own room and as it is owned by your parents you need not contact the local housing authorities

[geriatrix]

See also Guidance on Accommodation Overcrowding

[mem5000]

I've read that link before. It doesn't really say anything besides what's written on the UKBA website which is basically that different rules apply to HMOs. I've read in a few places that couples of the same family from different generations are classed as seperate households and therefore that would make this an HMO.

[Kitty]

See also:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndComm ... /DG_189200

What is an HMO?
A property is an HMO if it is let as a main or only home to at least three tenants, who form more than one household and who share a Spam, bathroom or toilet.

A household consists of either a single person or members of the same family who live together, including:

•people who are married or living together
•people in same-sex relationships
•relatives who are living together - including step-children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and foster children
•certain live-in domestic staff such as au pairs, nannies, nurses or other carers, gardeners, chauffeurs, servants (if certain conditions are met)

Living with relatives would seem to make you a single household, and therefore not an HMO. Is the property even rented?

[mem5000]

My parents own the house outright and myself, my wife and my sister would be lodging there rent free. There's no mention of in-laws being included in family units.

[geriatrix]

Everyone lives rent-free (relatives of or unrelated to landlord, irrespective) -> Not HMO.

For a property to be considered HMO, there must be tenants in the equation.

Don't understand where the "in-laws" came into the picture (your case). But if it is a general query, then - the landlord can permit anyone to live in his/her home for free. His/her choice!

[mem5000]

Everyone lives rent-free (relatives of or unrelated to landlord, irrespective) -> Not HMO.

Really? Are you sure? If that's definitely true then I guess I've got nothing to worry about.

[geriatrix]

A property is an HMO if it is let as a main or only home to at least three tenants, who form more than one household and who share a Spam, bathroom or toilet.