On the 1st January this year, new Regulations applying to flats and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) came into force. These Regulations are the Housing (Registration) Regulations 2013 and the Housing (Standards) Regulations 2013. Both sets of regulations are dealt with by the local authorities throughout the Isle of Man but officers from DEFA provide technical assistance, advice etc. and carry out inspections on their behalf.
 
In essence, all flats on the island already have to be registered and come up to an acceptable standard and these regulations are an update to the existing. What is new is that, for the first time, large properties that provide accommodation for some of the most vulnerable in the population by way of shared bathrooms and kitchens for example, will also have to meet a reasonable standard and be registered. This type of property is most commonly an ex-guest house that has grown into this type of use and is referred to as an HMO.
 
Everybody has a right to live somewhere secure, free from damp and that comes up to a decent standard whether they choose to live in an HMO or have little choice over what they can afford.
 
Owners of HMOs need no longer be worried about being prosecuted for operating an HMO. They used to be an illegal form of accommodation but this is no longer the case. Instead, they have until 1st January 2017 to bring their properties up to standard and become registered. Those that already exist may already comply and owners should contact the Environmental/Public Health Unit to ask for advice. Tenants are invited to do similar. It is hoped that those that don’t comply will be steadily improved and duly registered.
 
This is another step in protecting people in their homes, irrespective of the type of accommodation.
 
Guidance booklets and leaflets that may help to explain the new regulations and their implications are available from DEFA Headquarters in St John’s.
 
Hon. Phil Gawne Minister said: 
 
“Everybody should expect to have somewhere decent to live and our regulations should help us to achieve this goal and to offer fundamental protection to the public.”