Robert Brown advises students to be vigilant and stay safe

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Sep 2007

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has issued a call for students to be vigilant when moving into new accommodation for the first time in the coming days.

Many students will move away from home for the first time over the next week and for some, moving into a Glasgow tenement will be quite a new experience.

Mr. Brown warned students to take care when moving into their new homes to make sure that they have seen the relevant licence for Multiple Occupancy, if required.

A HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licence ensures that a residence has been checked for fire controls, electrical and gas safety. Mr. Brown advised that students who are moving into a property for the first time should ask for the Gas safety certificate, Electrical safety certificate, any Portable appliance certificates and the HMO licence.

A licence for a House in Multiple Occupation is required for premises where there are 3 or more persons living together who are not all members of either the same family or of one or other of 2 families. There are some exceptions, like the West End area, where a licence is required when more than 3 unrelated people living together.

Mr. Brown also advised that students check the inventory of the property before moving in and to confirm in writing with the landlord any issues that require attention before signing the lease.

"A HMO licence ensures that your property is up to the required standard for gas, electricity and fire safety.

"Sadly not all landlords take safety seriously and there are a small number out there who will let unlicensed properties which are possibly not safe, out to unsuspecting students.

"It's important before you move into the flat that you check for this license, and that you test everything you can - the cooker, shower, windows, fire alarm. Take a note of any defects or repairs to be done and ensure these issues are confirmed in writing before you move in.

"Always get a receipt for your deposit and only sign the lease for yourself. Ask to see the Gas safety certificate, Electrical safety certificate, and any Portable appliance certificates.

"Never collude with a landlord in an unlicensed HMO. If you find that the property you live in doesn't have an HMO licence, then you can phone the council to report this anonymously, and they will then conduct a random spot check on the property.

"Operation or management of an unlicensed house in multiple occupation is a criminal offence which can result in an owner or manager being reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

"If students are unsure about whether their property requires a licence, or whether it indeed has one or not, they should contact the Council HMO unit on 0141 287-2000.

"A HMO licence is there to protect you, and when moving away from home for the first time, it should be of reassurance that the scheme is in place to ensure your safety in your new city"

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