Frequently Asked Questions - Houses in Multiple Occupation

What is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by three or more people (including children) who form two or more households and includes shared houses, bedsits and flats where there is some sharing of the kitchen and/or bathroom. This includes houses rented by students.

A household may be:

  1. A single person
  2. A co-habiting couple
  3. Several members of the same family, all related by blood or marriage

For example a house occupied by a brother, sister and one other unrelated occupant would form two households; three unrelated persons would form three households.

Where can I get an application form to licence my HMO? SHOW


How many people can occupy an HMO? SHOW


What areas of the city are covered by the HMO licensing scheme? SHOW


How does additional HMO licensing work? SHOW


What happens if I do not meet the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria? SHOW


Will you contact me about licensing my property? SHOW


I rent out rooms in my private house, do I require an HMO licence? SHOW


Do I need planning permission for my HMO? SHOW


How do I contact planning? SHOW


What is the benefit of licensing my HMO? SHOW


Do I need to licence all of my HMO properties? SHOW


How much does it cost for an HMO licence? SHOW


Can I pay the HMO licence fee in instalments? SHOW


How long is the HMO licence for? SHOW


Are there any additional fees? SHOW


Can I get a refund if I let my HMO to a family? SHOW


What additional documents are required to support my application for an HMO licence? SHOW


Do I need a fire risk assessment? SHOW


How do I pay for my HMO licence? SHOW


Do I need to tell others, like my mortgage provider, about my HMO application? SHOW


What are the conditions applied to an HMO licence? SHOW


Do I have to complete all the work to comply with the HMO standards before I submit an application for an HMO licence? SHOW


What happens if I don't apply for an HMO licence? SHOW


What happens if I don't comply with the conditions of the HMO licence? SHOW


Are there any exemptions from HMO licensing SHOW


I am going to sell my HMO SHOW


As an HMO landlord, how should I tackle antisocial behaviour? SHOW


Is there a public register containing my personal information? SHOW


What will my final licence certificate look like? SHOW


Is the council using licensing fees to raise money? SHOW


Who do I contact if I am refused an HMO licence or if I wish to appeal against licence conditions? SHOW


Is my HMO considered a ‘Shared House’ or a ‘Bedsit-type HMO’ for fire safety standards? SHOW


Further information