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- December 9, 2021
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Updated Guidance on HMO Floorplans November 2021
The checklist for successful floorplans
One of the many requirements for an HMO licence is a floor plan detailing the layout and room sizes.
This has recently been updated to assist Standards department within The City of Edinburgh council, ensuring that the minimum requirements are achieved.
The Edinburgh Letting Centre has robust processes in place to ensure that all submission requirements are achieved.
Poor preparation of the required documents can lead to significant delays in your HMO application and ultimately receiving your granted licence.
For all rooms (length and width of room and in the event of a coombed ceiling 1.5m clearly defined and measured from the coomb)
There are two types of HMO properties: with and without a communal living area. If there is a communal living room (at least 11 sqm), the smallest bedroom should be at least 6.5 sq. m, with a width not less than 2.25 m. On the other hand, if after turning a living room into additional bedroom the property lacks a real communal living space (for example big dining room adjacent to the kitchen would still count as a communal living space), then the smallest bedroom will need to be over 10 sqm.
Where there is a kitchen/lounge both areas are required to be clearly defined and sizes of both areas provided
There must be clear distinction in the designated kitchen and lounge areas. This ensures that the minimum space requirements are achieved.
Length of available worktop including appliances/facilities e.g. 320cm of worktop with 60cm Hob and 110cm sink/drainer
Please note that the required work surface for three people is 2.0m, for every additional person a further 60cm is required.
This is an overall allocation which should provide appropriate space for kettles or microwaves which are not specific to an individual
Number of cupboards provided
A minimum of 1 cubic meter of storage is required for a minimum of 5 people. An additional 0.2 cubic metres for each additional person should be provided.
Locations of appliances/facilities should be clearly marked on plans e.g fridge/freezer, washing machine, boiler etc.
One reasonable size refrigerator and freezer for a maximum of 5 persons. One cooker with an oven, grill and 4 cooking plates or rings for a maximum of 5 persons.
Location and number of sockets throughout property
The number of electrical sockets throughout the house must achieve the following minimum requirements; 6 sockets in the kitchen, 6 in each of the bedrooms and 4 additional sockets anywhere else within the building.
Location of smoke/heat and CO alarms
The kitchen needs a heat detector, every bedroom, hallway, living room, bigger cupboards and cupboards with the fuse board (RCD board) will need smoke detectors. All alarms must be hardwired with a battery backup and interlinked (we recommend Bluetooth linked detectors). Realistically, properties already let will need additional detectors in bedrooms and possibly in cupboards. carbon monoxide alarms must be fixed by every gas appliance (hob, boiler, fireplace) or in equal distance between appliances. Alarms may be portable, with an enclosed non replaceable battery that lasts at least 7 years.
Location of fire appliances (Extinguisher, log-book fire blanket and fire action notice)
At least 1 fire extinguisher (attached to the wall in the hall) and a fire blanket (attached to the wall in the kitchen).
Contents of any cupboard on the escape route (i.e. boiler, fuse board, white goods etc.)
The landlord must apply and enforce a policy which allows the effective management of the common areas to ensure fire safety is maintained. In particular, the common areas must not be used for either storage of combustible materials or any obstructions that can hinder evacuation.
Observing the above checklist, you are sure to avoid any unnecessary delays and aid the progression of your HMO license.
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