Section 65 — Housing Act 2004: Tests as to suitability for multiple occupation

Tests as to suitability for multiple occupation 65 1 The local housing authority cannot be satisfied for the purposes of section 64(3)(a) that the house is reasonably suitable for occupation by a particular maximum number of households or persons if they consider that it fails to meet prescribed standards for occupation by that number of households or persons.

2 But the authority may decide that the house is not reasonably suitable for occupation by a particular maximum number of households or persons even if it does meet prescribed standards for occupation by that number of households or persons.

3 In this section “ prescribed standards ” means standards prescribed by regulations made by the appropriate national authority.

4 The standards that may be so prescribed include—

a standards as to the number, type and quality of—

i bathrooms, toilets, washbasins and showers, ii areas for food storage, preparation and cooking, and iii laundry facilities, which should be available in particular circumstances;

and b standards as to the number, type and quality of other facilities or equipment which should be available in particular circumstances.