Find out what is meant by houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a type of residential property where multiple tenants live together but do not form a single household. Here are the key points to understand about HMOs:
Failure to apply for a licence may result in the landlord and letting agent being prosecuted and given a hefty fine. Alternatively, we can issue a civil penalty notice of up to £30,000 for not having the correct licence.
Households are defined as follows
Check if your property is an HMO.
If your property is an HMO, whether licensable or not, you must comply with the appropriate HMO management regulations at all times.
What are the HMO Management Regulations?
From 1 October 2018 mandatory licensing is no longer limited to certain HMOs that are 3 or more storeys high but include buildings with 1 or 2 storeys.
Understanding the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) under the Housing Act 2004 can be complex.
If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, seeking professional advice is a smart move. It’s crucial to know the status of your property to ensure compliance and unlock its full potential.
Having an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) license is important for several reasons:
In summary, obtaining an HMO licence is not just a legal obligation but a smart business move that enhances the safety, and profitability of your property.
It is a criminal offence to be managing or in control of a House in Multiple Occupation that should be licensed but is not.
If you don't get a license, the landlord and letting agent can be taken to court and fined up to £30,000.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
As a license holder, you must follow our rules for storing and getting rid of household waste. You also need to keep the environment clean and safe for your tenants and the local community.
Our HMO standards help landlords and developers make and keep HMOs in good condition.
By following these rules, you can make sure your property is great, attract good tenants, and get the most out of your investment.
Purpose-built flats in a block with three or more self-contained flats are exempt. These flats fall under section 257 of the Housing Act. This includes buildings turned into self-contained flats that:
See the legislation for full details of all exceptions.
If your property meets these conditions, it is called a section 257 HMO and might need extra licenses. To be sure, you can ask our housing team at for advice based on your property's details.
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