Houses in multiple occupation
Houses in multiple occupation are commonly known as HMOs.
An HMO is defined as a building, or part of a building (for example a flat), which is let to three or more persons forming two or more households where:
- more than one household shares an amenity such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities or;
- is occupied by more than one household, is a converted building and does not entirely contain self-contained flats or
- contains converted self-contained flats and the standard of the conversion does not meet the Building Regulations 1991, and more than one third of the flats are occupied by tenants.
Households are defined as:
- families including single persons, co-habiting couples and other blood related relatives;
- any other relationship that may be prescribed by regulation, such as fostering or carer arrangements.
HMO licensing
HMOs must be licensed where they are occupied by five persons or more in two or more households.
This includes any HMO which is a building or a converted flat where householders share amenities such as a toilet, personal washing facilities or cooking facilities.
It also applies to purpose built flats where there are up to two flats in the block and one or both are occupied as an HMO.
All licensed HMOs can be viewed on the Public Register by contacting the Private Sector Housing team.
HMO standards
Whether your HMO needs a licence or not, it must meet our HMO standards.
Planning legislation
Where there are more than six tenants planning permission is required.
How to apply for a licence
A licence usually lasts for a five-year period, after which it must be renewed by the licence holder.
To apply for an HMO licence, please contact us first to discuss the property and what’s required.
The HMO licence application can be found on the GOV.UK website.
We will need several documents from you as part of your application:
- tenancy agreement/your standard tenancy agreement
- current electrical installation condition report
- gas safety certificate, if there is gas to the property
- inspection and test certificate for the fire alarm
- inspection and test certificate for the emergency lighting (if present)
Licence fee
We have reviewed our HMO licensing fee structure and made some changes to provide more streamlined options, and to reflect the time taken to licence HMOs in our area. From 1 April 2024, the fees are as follows:
| Occupancy | Licence fee |
|---|---|
| 5 - 7 occupants | £760 |
| 8 or more occupants | £850 |
Please contact us for if you need advice about which fee to pay.
How to renew a licence
If your five year HMO licence is about to expire, you will need to renew it.
If there have been no changes to the premises or licence details, you may complete the re-licencing declaration form.
If there have been changes for example to the licence-holder or the person managing the property, you will need to complete the HMO licence application form.
Renewal fees
The renewal of an existing licence is charged at the following rates:
| Occupancy | Licence fee |
|---|---|
| 5 - 7 occupants | £655 |
| 8 or more occupants | £700 |
Please contact us for if you need advice about which fee to pay.
What happens if a property changes hands
Licences are not transferable as it relates to the person responsible for holding it, and not the property itself, and so the new owner must apply for the licence.
Some documents on this page may not be in an accessible format. If you require any documents in an accessible format, please complete our online form to request them.