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EA Inspections ActiveFines up to £5,000Licence at Risk

HMO Waste Compliance Checklist

A free, single-page printable checklist for HMO landlords to verify compliance with Simpler Recycling regulations before EA inspections begin.

One-page A4 printable
Updated March 2026
5-minute self-audit

Since 31 March 2026 — landlords are personally liable

HMO landlords are personally responsible for tenant bin mistakes under Simpler Recycling. Cross-contamination = management failure = fine and licence review. Walk your property and tick each box. Any NO answer needs fixing immediately.

£5,000

Maximum fine

Fixed penalty notice

16

Checklist questions

10 HIGH · 6 MED risk

48hr

Full HMO Audit

Written report turnaround

What's Inside the Checklist

16 questions · 2 risk levels
QuestionRisk
1Does your property have a separate food waste bin?
HIGH RISK
2Is food waste collected at least once a week?
HIGH RISK
3Do you have a separate bin for paper and cardboard?
HIGH RISK
4Do you have a dry recycling bin for plastic, tins and glass?
HIGH RISK
5Have all tenants received written waste instructions?
HIGH RISK
6Is a written waste guide or notice displayed in a communal area of the property?
HIGH RISK
7Do you hold a duty of care waste transfer note for any private waste contractor you use?
HIGH RISK
8Are all bins clearly labelled so tenants know which is which?
HIGH RISK
9Have you contacted your council to confirm collection setup?
HIGH RISK
10Do you hold your waste carrier's EA registration number?
HIGH RISK
11Have tenancy agreements been updated to include waste compliance clauses?
MED RISK
12Is food waste stored in a sealed caddy to prevent pests and odours?
MED RISK
13Are bin areas accessible to the collection vehicle on collection day?
MED RISK
14Does your council require glass separated from dry recyclables — and if so, is it?
MED RISK
15Do you keep copies of waste collection receipts or contracts?
MED RISK
16Are bin areas clean, pest-free, and not overflowing?
MED RISK

Score your results:

0 NOs

You look compliant — get written proof.

1–3 NOs

Fix HIGH RISK items this week.

4+ NOs

Book an audit immediately.

Why Every HMO Landlord Needs This Checklist

The Environment Agency is actively visiting HMO properties across England.

4 Bin Streams Required

General waste, food waste, paper/card, and dry recyclables must all have separate bins and collection arrangements.

Landlord, Not Tenant, Is Liable

HMO licensing conditions place the duty on you — even if tenants make the mistakes. 'They did it' is not a defence.

Written Proof Is Everything

Councils need to see written instructions given to tenants, receipts kept, and councils contacted. Verbal arrangements won't hold up.

Download the checklist — it's free

Single-page A4 PDF. Print it, walk your property, and know exactly where you stand before an EA inspector arrives.

Download PDF — Free

Need a Full Written Compliance Report?

Show your council or the Environment Agency a professional audit — not just a self-completed checklist.

Property-by-property waste capacity assessment
Council vs private contractor cost comparison
Bin specification and sourcing guidance
Tenant instruction templates included
Tenancy agreement waste compliance clauses
Written report ready in 48 hours