Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are common in student towns and shared rentals, but they come with extra legal duties for landlords.
What is an HMO?
A property is classed as an HMO if:
- At least three tenants live there, forming more than one household
- Tenants share toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities
Mandatory HMO Licensing
You must have a licence if:
- Five or more tenants live in the property
- They form more than one household
- They share facilities
Selective and Additional Licensing
Local councils can impose extra licensing schemes. These may apply even if your property has fewer than five tenants. Always check with the local authority.
Licence Conditions
Licences usually last five years and require landlords to:
- Meet minimum room sizes
- Provide adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Ensure fire safety standards
- Keep the property in good repair
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Unlimited fines
- Rent repayment orders
- Banning orders for serious offenders
Conclusion
If you let out shared accommodation, licensing is not optional.
Download our free landlord checklist to see if your property falls under HMO or selective licensing rules.