§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the inspection of property in multiple occupancy. [118986]
§ Keith HillInspections of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are normally carried out by local authority environmental health officers under powers conferred upon the authority by Part XI of the Housing Act 1985. An authority has a right to survey or examine an HMO internally to check to see if it is being used as an HMO and to ensure that it is reasonably suitable for the number of occupants, whether any works are required, that it is not overcrowded, that the management regulations are being complied with, that conditions attached to registration are being adhered to and that any works the authority has required have been carried out to the authority's satisfaction. A person who obstructs an authorised officer (e.g. by refusing entry) is guilty of an offence and subject to a fine not exceeding £2,500. A local authority may apply to a Justice of the Peace for a warrant of entry if admission to the property170W had been refused. The warrant remains in force until the inspection has been carried out and permits entry by force.