If you live in shared housing in Wales and rent a room in a house in multiple occupation (HMO), Closure and Prohibition Orders can affect whether you can stay and the landlord's obligations. This page explains in plain terms what these orders are, when local councils use them, and what tenants and renters should do if an HMO is deemed unsafe or illegal. You will find practical steps for documenting problems, important deadlines, and the official forms and tribunals involved. The guidance focuses on tenant rights, how to get help from your local authority, and options if a property is closed, including temporary housing and how to challenge decisions.
What is a Closure or Prohibition Order?
A Closure Order or Prohibition Order is a legal tool used by local authorities to stop parts of, or an entire, property from being used because of serious hazards or breaches of housing regulations. Councils assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and can restrict use to prevent harm to occupiers. These powers sit alongside wider legislation that governs rented housing in England and Wales, including the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977.[2]
Why councils issue these orders
Councils normally issue Closure or Prohibition Orders when hazards are severe, for example where there is a risk of structural collapse, fire, dangerous electrics, or other immediate threats to health and safety. They also act where an HMO is operating without required licensing or is in serious breach of standards set for shared housing. Local HMO licensing and enforcement guidance in Wales explains how councils identify and act on unsafe HMOs.[3]
- Document problems with dated photos, messages and a written log of faults and repairs.
- Contact your local authority housing enforcement team to report hazards and request inspection.
- Prepare for the possibility of temporary relocation if a council requires evacuation.
What it means for tenants and renters
If an order affects your property you may be asked to leave part or all of the building for safety reasons, or certain rooms may be prohibited from use until problems are fixed. Tenants retain rights to protection against unfair eviction and landlords remain responsible for providing safe accommodation or suitable alternative housing where required. Whether you pay rent or how your deposit is handled can depend on your tenancy agreement and any temporary rehousing offered by the council.
How to respond
If you receive notice that an HMO is subject to a Closure or Prohibition Order, take practical steps to protect yourself and your tenancy while cooperating with safety requirements.
- Ask the council or landlord for a written copy of the order and the specific reasons for it.
- Collect dated photos, messages and rent records as evidence you can use later.
- Contact your council's housing enforcement or homelessness duty team about temporary housing and support.
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if you wish to challenge the council's decision or an order affecting your tenancy.[1]
- Note and meet any deadlines in the order, including dates to vacate, appeal periods or inspection appointments.
Forms and official bodies
Key official forms and bodies tenants may use include the application process for the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which hears many property disputes affecting tenants and landlords, and local council reporting routes for unsafe HMOs. The tribunal application form is available via GOV.UK and should be used if you want a legal review of an enforcement decision or need orders varied; there may not be a single form number for every case, so follow the tribunal guidance when applying.[1]
To report an unsafe HMO or check licensing requirements in Wales, use your local council or Welsh Government HMO guidance and reporting pages which explain how to submit complaints and what evidence to provide.[3]
The primary legislation that underpins many enforcement powers in rented housing includes the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977; these set out rights and duties for landlords and tenants across England and Wales and can be consulted on legislation.gov.uk.[2]
FAQ
- What is the difference between a Closure Order and a Prohibition Order?
- A Closure Order typically requires total evacuation of a property for immediate safety, while a Prohibition Order can stop use of part of a property or specific activities until hazards are fixed.
- Can I remain in my room if an HMO is closed?
- If a council issues a full Closure Order you may be required to leave; for partial prohibitions you might be asked to avoid only specified areas. Always follow the order and seek advice about rehousing and rent adjustments.
- How do I challenge an order?
- You can request the council's reasons in writing and, where appropriate, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a legal review of the decision using the tribunal application guidance on GOV.UK.[1]
How-To
- Gather evidence: photograph hazards, keep dated messages and store receipts.
- Report the issue to your local council's housing enforcement team and ask for an inspection.
- Request a written copy of any Closure or Prohibition Order and note appeal deadlines.
- If needed, complete the First-tier Tribunal application following GOV.UK guidance to challenge the order.
- If rehousing is offered, get details in writing about temporary accommodation and how rent or deposits are handled.
Key Takeaways
- Closure and Prohibition Orders are safety measures used by councils to protect occupiers.
- Document hazards thoroughly and contact your council right away.
- You can challenge decisions through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) where appropriate.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
- Houses in multiple occupation (HMO) - Welsh Government
- Housing Act 1988 - legislation.gov.uk
