Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
What is an HMO?
The definition of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by three or more people (including children) who form two or more households.
It includes shared houses, bedsits and some flats where the kitchen and/or bathrooms are shared. This includes houses rented by students.
A household may be:
- A single person
- A cohabiting couple
- Several members of the same family, all related by blood or marriage
As an example, a house occupied by a brother, sister and one other unrelated occupant would form two households; three unrelated persons would form three households.
The number of tenancy agreements is not relevant in determining whether a house is an HMO.
HMO planning applications
Planning permission will be required if you wish to change the use of a property from single to multiple occupation. See Apply for planning permission for more information.
HMO Licences
Certain HMOs require a licence. Please see HMO licensing criteria.
The licensing scheme is designed to improve housing conditions and ensure the health and safety of tenants.
If you own or manage HMOs, the onus is on you to obtain a licence for the property. If you have three or more lodgers in your own home, you will also need to apply for a licence.
Certain conditions for the property must be met before a licence is granted. Details can be found on our Safety and standards page.
Check if your property requires a licence using the online form which can be found on the Criteria for HMO licensing page.
On 17 July 2018, Southampton City Council approved a new HMO Additional Licensing scheme covering Bevois, Bargate, Portswood and Swaythling wards. This scheme came into force on 1 October 2018.
Unlicensed HMOs
We are continually trying to identify properties in the city that meet the criteria for licensing, but remain unlicensed.
The public register of all Houses in Multiple Occupation that have been licensed is attached below. Properties are only included on the register once the final licence certificates have been issued.
This information has been disclosed to you under General Licence. For information regarding this please read this document.
You can view them on our HMO licensing - public register (summary PDF) document.
If you have any information about HMOs that you believe may require a licence but do not appear on the register, contact the HMO Licensing Team.
Before you fill in this form
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself a couple of minutes to fill it in.
Further information
Further information on HMOs is available in our Frequently Asked Questions.
