Licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

Q     What is an HMO?
A      A shared house lived in by people who belong to more than one family and who share one or more facilities.
        A house in bedsits lived in by people who belong to more than one family and who share one or more facilities.
        An individual flat lived in by people who belong to more than one family and who share one or more facilities.
        A building of self-contained flats that do not meet 1991 Building Regulation standards.

Exemptions:
The exempt buildings include:
* Those managed or controlled by public sector bodies;
* Buildings that are regulated under other legislation and prescribed as exempt;
* Certain buildings occupied by religious communities;
* Buildings occupied by no more than two people.

Q     Why was HMO licensing introduced?
A     Licensing is aimed at raising management and amenity standards in the rented property sector.  HMOs in particular are often poorly managed and in poor physical condition. Licensing will raise the standards of such accommodation and will also ensure that landlords are managing their HMOs to the required standards.

Q     Which HMOs require a licence?
A      An HMO must have a licence if all three of the following apply:

a. It is an HMO (see definition of HMO above)

b. It is three storeys or more (includes basements)

c. It is occupied by five or more people forming at least two households

Exemptions:  If the whole property is in self-contained flats


Q   Where can I get more information on HMO licensing?
A   More general information on HMO licensing can be found on the web pages of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister or contact the Council's Environmental Health Officer for detailed information on licensing in the borough.  A landlord guide is also available on this website.

Q   When do I have to apply for a licence by?
A   Mandatory HMO licensing came into force on the 6 April 2006.  Licence application forms are available to download from this site, also available is a Guide to completing the application.

Q  How much will a licence cost?
A  Local authorities can set fees at their own discretion but these fees must reflect the actual costs to the local authority of HMO licensing.