Safety inspection - homes in multiple occupation

A house in multiple occupation is one occupied by more than one household.  Often these households will share facilities such as bathrooms, lavatories and/or kitchens.  They will usually be privately rented properties.

These types of properties are often at higher risk of fire, disrepair, accidents or management and therefore present extra hazards to their occupants, over and above those experienced by the occupants of other properties.

In order to prevent problems arising we inspect houses in multiple occupation and take enforcement action where necessary.  All action that we take will be in accordance with our Enforcement Policy. In order to ensure that we deal with all problems in the most effective manner we often work in partnership with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. Where appropriate we carry out joint inspections and include the recommendations of the Fire Officer in our enforcement action.

From April 2006 new legal requirements come into force whereby the owners of certain types of houses in multiple occupation (3 storeys or more and 5+ occupants) will need to obtain a licence from us.  We are working with other authorities in the area to ensure that this new system is introduced in a consistent manner - please use this link to access the DASH (Decent and Safe Homes) website.

If you visit or live in a house in multiple occupation and suspect that it does not come up to standard, please contact us in confidence to discuss your situation.  You can contact us at:

Public Health and Housing Team
Community Services Department
Derbyshire Dales District Council
Town Hall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3NN

Tel: 01629 761212
Fax: 01629 761165
email: envhealth@derbyshiredales.gov.uk