Privacy settings

Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

 

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: 06 August 2024

Lancaster City Council logogram

Cookies policy

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some of these cookies are essential, while others help us to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used.

Review your privacy settings