# Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

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](https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence)