An HMO is a house occupied by persons who do not form a single household such as bedsits, hostels and shared houses. These are properties where tenants share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens and where living conditions can be stressful.

HMO's are inspected by Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) to ensure they have proper fire protection, are not overcrowded and have the correct number of amenities for the number of occupants. In addition certain types of HMO need to be registered within the Council.

The Council have issued a booklet detailing the standards that apply to HMO's. A copy of the standards can be downloaded from the following.

Request for a Safety Inspection of a House in Multiple Occupation

Fire Precautions Guide for Houses in Multiple Occupation

The 2004 Housing Act comes into force in April 2006 and introduces compulsory licensing of larger, higher-risk Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The government has issued an advisory leaflet for landlords which can be found on the link below.

Government Advisory Leaflet

2004 Housing Act - Licensing of HMOs

In order for any residential property to be fit for human habitation it must comply with the fitness standard set out in the Housing Act 1985. To be fit the property must be:

• Structurally stable
• Be free from serious disrepair
• Be free from dampness prejudicial to the health of the occupants
• Have adequate provision of lighting, heating and ventilation
• Have an adequate piped supply of wholesome water
• Have satisfactory facilities for the preparation and cooking of food, including a sink with a supply of hot and cold water
• Have a suitably located water closet
• Have for the exclusive use of the occupants a suitable located fixed bath or shower and a wash-hand basin each with a hot and cold water supply
• Have an effective system for the drainage of foul waste and surface water

If the property is defective in any of the above the EHO can serve a notice to make the property fit. If you live in a defective property discuss the defects first with your landlord who should carry out any repairs that are required. If you have problems with your landlord carrying out the work contact us on 01727-819406 to arrange for an Environmental Health Officer to inspect the property.

St Albans District Council are able to provide a range of grants to owner occupiers to help them improve/repair/stay in their homes. All such grants are means tested.

Disabled Facilities Grants

These grants are available if someone living in the property is disabled and needs adaptations and facilities to enable the disabled person to continue living there. This work can include the provision of a bedroom, bath/shower and toilet facilities, the installation of stairlifts, widening of doorways, improvements to heating etc.

A copy of the current information leaflet giving details of eligible works and eligible applicants can be downloaded by clicking on the icon below.

Disabled Facilities Grants leaflet

Or you can contact the Improvement Grants Assistant on 01727 819446 to discuss your requirements.

Home Repairs Assistance Grants

This grant is targeted at elderly people as it enables small scale work to be carried out with the minimum of paperwork so that the person can remain happily in their own home. Examples of such work are rewiring, plumbing repairs, replacement of rotten wood, roof repairs etc.

A copy of the current information leaflet giving details of eligible works and eligible applicants can be downloaded by clicking on the icon below.

Home Repairs Assistance Grant

Home repairs Grant leaflet

Or you can contact the Improvement Grants Assistant on 01727 819446 to discuss your requirements.

Renovation Grant

These grants are available to enable applicants carry out large scale repairs/improvements in their homes. These works can include the installation of a standard amenity for the first time, re-roofing if the property is in poor condition, a large number of repairs etc.

A copy of the current information leaflet giving details of eligible works and eligible applicants can be downloaded by clicking on the icon below.

Renovation Grant leaflet

Or you can contact the Improvement Grants Assistant on 01727 819446 to discuss your requirements.

Anchor Staying Put Scheme

This scheme is funded by the Council and operated by Anchor Trust to help the elderly and disabled to stay put in their own home. Anchor will obtain estimates from builders, obtain drawings, complete applications for grant aid and apply to the Council for grant aid at no cost to the applicant. Anchor take all the hard work out of home repairs and improvements so that the householder does not need to worry.

Further details can be obtained by contacting Anchor on 01707 255 710.

Please note that, with the exception of number 4 & 6, Council house tenants do not qualify for these grants. The Housing Management Officer should be contacted for energy efficient measures in Council properties.

This leaflet was last updated on 12/10/2001 - schemes are subject to availability and may change at short notice.

Free Energy Efficiency Questionnaire

Knowing how energy efficient your home is, gives you a starting point on to improve your home. By completing and returning a simple questionnaire the Council will provide you with a certificate of the estimated energy rating of your home on a rating of 1 - 100. The certificate will also list in cost effective order a number of potential energy saving improvements that you may wish to consider. Complete the questionnaire at the following location.

Energy Efficiency Questionnaire

Condensing Boilers

Half of the average home's energy bill goes on central heating and hot water. It is possible, however, to reduce this by up to a third and save up to a £130 a year. How? When it is time to buy a new heating system , or replace your boiler, fit a condensing boiler.

Condensing boilers are the most efficient boilers you can buy converting an average 85% of fuel to heat compared to around 70% for a standard boiler.

Central Heating Controls

Better heating controls can improve your comfort, save you money on your fuel bills and help you to stop wasting energy. The installation of a fully pumped system, control programmer, room thermostat, cylinder thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves (TRV`s) can all save energy.

Loft Insulation and Draught Proofing

Heat is lost through the lost and through gaps around windows and doors. By installing more loft insulation and improving your draught proofing you will be able to save money through lower energy bills.

Cavity Wall Insulation

More heat is lost through the walls of your home than any other part of the building. Installing cavity wall insulation can save the average home around £80 a year.

Solar Heating

In the UK, solar water heating normally provides up to 50% of a households hot water requirements although it could be more. By installing solar heating to cut your bills, you are reducing your demand for conventional energy which comes from the burning of fossil fuels. In Hertfordshire there is Solar Club where you can obtain advice and information on the use and installation of solar heating. Contact 01279 655261 for further information.