What is a HMO?
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) provide essential affordable housing for many tenants who need it.
The Housing Act 2004 provides the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) as a property occupied by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities such as the bathroom and kitchen.
It can include a self-contained flat, a converted building or a converted block of flats. For further details, download the following documents:
Do you need a licence?
Yes, a property is classed as a 'large HMO' if it is occupied by five or more persons and it is occupied by persons living in more than one single household, with at least one tenant paying rent. A group of friends sharing a house will not be classed as a single ‘household’ for licensing purposes.
Landlords and agents who fail to apply for a licence may face fines of up to £20,000, a criminal record and potentially rent repayment orders.