Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
- HMO Register
- HMO licence application form
- Application form guidance
- HMO online licence application
- HMO licence fees
- HMO frequently asked questions
- Standards for HMOs
- Housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS) leaflet
- HMO privacy statement
What is a HMO?
A property is a house in multiple occupation (HMO) if both of the following apply:
- at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than one household
- Toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared with other tenants
A property is a large HMO if both of the following apply:
- at least five tenants live there, forming more than one household
- Toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared with other tenants
A household is either a single person or members of the same family who live together. A family includes people who are:
- married or living together - including people in same-sex relationships
- relatives or half-relatives, for example grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings
- step-parents and step-children
If you are a tenant in shared accommodation, you may live in an HMO. These properties can be an entire house, flat or converted building or any of the following:
- Bedsits
- Shared houses
- Households with a lodger
- Purpose-built HMOs
- Hostels
- Guesthouses - if rented out of season
- Bed and breakfasts providing accommodation for homeless people
- Some types of self-contained flats converted from houses
Licensing
You may require planning permission for a new HMO. More details can be found here (under the drop down box 'House in Muliple Occupation and To Let Signs')
Last updated: 18 January 2024