Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

• Apply for a HMO licence online
• Download a HMO application pack (PDF, 362KB)
• Download a HMO re-licence pack (PDF, 328KB)
• HMO licensing fees 2017/18 (PDF, 93KB)
• HMO standards (PDF, 329KB)

What is a HMO?

A property is a HMO if it is let as a main or only home to at least three tenants, who form more than one household and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

A household consists of either a single person or members of the same family who live together, including:

• People who are married or living together
• People in same-sex relationships
• Relatives who are living together - including step-children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and foster children
• Certain live-in domestic staff such as au pairs, nannies, nurses or other carers, gardeners, chauffeurs, servants (if certain conditions are met)

If you are a tenant in shared accommodation, you may live in an HMO. These properties can be an entire house, flat or converted building or any of the following:

• Bedsits
• Shared houses
• Households with a lodger
• Purpose-built HMOs
• Hostels
• Guesthouses - if rented out of season
• Bed and breakfasts providing accommodation for homeless people
• Some types of self-contained flats converted from houses

Does an HMO need a licence?

An HMO must have a licence if it is:

• Of three or more storeys
• Occupied by five or more persons who form more than one household

Last updated: 11 October 2017