What is a HMO?
From 6th April 2006 mandatory HMO licensing came into force across England. Landlord's whose property is classed as an HMO should read on to find out what they need to do to Licensing their properties.
A House in Multiple Occupation means a building or part of a building, such as a flat, that :
- An entire house or flat which is let to 3 or more tenants who form 2 or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
- A house which has been converted entirely into bedsits or other non-self contained accommodation and which is let to 3 or more tenants who form two or more households and who share kitchen, bathroom or toilet facilities.
- A converted house which contains one or more flats which are not wholly self-contained i.e. the flat does not contain within it a kitchen, bathroom and toilet and which is occupied by 3 or more tenants who form two or more households.
- A building which is converted entirely into self-contained flats if the conversion did not meet the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and more than one-third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies.
In order to be a HMO the property must be used:
- solely or mainly to house tenants
- as the tenants' only or main residence
- as a refuge for people escaping domestic abuse
- by students and migrant workers
Which HMO's need a Licence?
If a building has three or more storeys and is occupied by five or more tenants in two or more households.
How Do I work out How Many Storeys there are?
When counting the number of storeys in the building you need to include:
- basements and attics which have been converted for use or occupation of the residents of the property
- If you are resident landlord any storeys which are occupied by you or your family
- All storeys in residential occupation, even if they are self-contained
- Any business premises or storage space on ground or upper floors, basements do not need to be included unless the basement is the only, or principal entrance to the HMO from the street.
Your local housing authority will be able to advise you, whether or not mezzanine floors should be included as separate floors, depending on their location and use.