Houses in Multiple Occupation

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:

• HMO Definition Checklist
• Definition of HMO

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.

How to apply for a licence

If you require an application form or need further information please email envhealth@brentwood.gov.uk

Before granting a licence, the Council must be satisfied that

• the proposed licence holder and any manager of the property is a fit and proper person
• property management standards are being applied at the property
• the HMO is reasonably suitable, or can be made suitable, for occupation by the number of tenants allowed under the licence (eg bathrooms, toilets, cooking facilities)

Please note that from the 1st April 2020 the HMO licensing fees have been increased for :

New Licence to £857.00

Renewal of Licence to £581.00

A licence is issued for a period of five years, and the property will be subject to inspection through this period

Useful information

• Houses in Multiple Occupation Licence Public Register
• Landlords - Do you need a property licence? leaflet
• Mandatory HMO Licensing Checklist used by Environmental Health Officers
• Communities and Local Government website
• Residential Landlords Association, Tel: 0845 666 5000, www.rla.org.uk 
• National Landlords Association, Tel: 0870 241 0471, www.landlords.org.uk  
• National Federation of Residential Landlords, Tel: 0845 456 0357

The Specialist Housing Group of the Essex Environmental Health Management Group has drawn up Codes of Practice in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation.

The following documents can be downloaded here:

• Houses in Multiple Occupation - Essex Approved Code of Practice - Amenity Standards for Category A HMOs
• Houses in Multiple Occupation - Adequate Means of Escape from Fire and Other Fire Precautions