House of multiple occupation (HMO) – Waste rules

Since October 2018, HMO landlords have specific legal obligations regarding waste management as they are deemed a business. Because a HMO pays one lot of Council Tax the local authorities will usually supply the HMO with the standard waste, recycling, and food bins that each residential property is entitled to, but additional bins will have to be provided by and emptied by a commercial waste collection company. 

Landlord Responsibilities

Storage and Facilities

- Provide adequate facilities for storing and disposing of household waste, recycling, food waste, and garden waste

- Ensure they have sufficient waste and recycling bins, with lids, to meet the needs of their residents

- Make sure the bins are kept within the property boundaries

- Make sure the bin storage area is neat and tidy.

Documentation and Information

- Make sure their plan allows for waste storage when applying for HMO license

- Provide clear waste separation and collection information to all tenants

- Comply with the council's and the commercial company’s storage and waste disposal scheme

Legal Requirements

Mandatory Conditions

- All HMO licenses must include details about waste disposal

- Failure to comply with the local council’s waste disposal system constitutes a criminal offense

- Landlords must register as waste carriers for the commercial waste disposal

Commercial Waste Rules

- Any waste removed by landlords is classified as commercial waste

- Landlords must hold an upper tier Waste Carrier's License

- House clearance and maintenance waste must be disposed of as commercial waste

Tenant Management

Bulky Items

- Landlords are responsible for disposing of furniture or bulky items left by tenants

- Items cannot be left outside property boundaries or in forecourts

Enforcement

- Loose waste or overflowing bins are considered evidence of insufficient waste storage

- Local authorities can take enforcement action for poorly maintained waste areas

- Breaches of Management Regulations carry unlimited fines

If you are in doubt about your waste management you should contact your local authority and/or a commercial waste collection company.