Houses in Multiple Occupation
As a landlord, if you own a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) — a rented property with shared facilities — you may require a licence to let.
Mandatory licensing for certain HMOs was introduced across England on 1 October 2018, with the aim of improving standards of accommodation for tenants living in shared housing. In addition, many local authorities operate additional or selective licensing schemes, which may extend licensing requirements to smaller HMOs.
Which HMOs need a licence?
Under the national mandatory licensing scheme, an HMO must be licensed if it is:
- Occupied by five or more people
- Forming two or more households
- Where facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom are shared
This applies regardless of the number of storeys.
However, smaller HMOs may also require a licence depending on local authority rules. If you are unsure, you should always check with your local council.
What is a household?
A household is generally defined as members of the same family living together. This includes:
- Couples who are married or living together (including those in equivalent relationships)
- Relatives living together, such as parents, grandparents, children (including stepchildren), grandchildren, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces or cousins
Half-relatives are treated as full relatives. A foster child is treated as part of the foster parent’s household.
Individuals who are not related — for example, a group of friends sharing — are considered separate households. By contrast, a single family renting a property is treated as one household.
Applying for an HMO licence
In England and Wales, applications for an HMO licence must be made to the local council. Licences are typically granted for a fixed period, often up to five years, although this can vary depending on the authority.
You can apply online via the government website: House in multiple occupation licence – GOV.UK