Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Contents

Which HMOs need to be licensed

HMOs occupied by 5 or more people 

All HMOs occupied by 5 or more people who are not living together as a single household, but share facilities, need to be licensed.

A licence is required so that we can control and monitor standards. We make sure that the building:

  • is safe
  • is in good repair
  • has enough smoke detectors
  • has appropriate fire exits
  • has enough sinks, cookers, baths and toilets for the tenants

HMOs occupied by 3 or 4 people 

HMOs of 3 or 4 people do not require a Mandatory HMO licence but will be subject to the requirements of the Additional HMO Licensing Scheme, which came into force on 25 September 2026. These smaller HMOs must still comply with the required standards and have planning permission.

When we will issue you a licence

We will issue you with a licence if we are satisfied that the:

  • HMO is reasonably suitable for occupation by the number of people expected
  • proposed licence holder is a 'fit and proper person'
  • proposed manager, if there is one, is a 'fit and proper person'
  • proposed management arrangements are satisfactory
  • HMO manager is competent
  • financial structures for the management are suitable

The licence has a range of conditions that must be complied with. Read the HMO mandatory licensing conditions (PDF, 473KB) 

Planning permission may be required for changes to the property or changes to the use of the property. Please contact the planning department to obtain advice on planning permission.