From 6th April 2006 mandatory HMO licensing came into force across England.
What is an HMO?
Guide to Landlords' of Houses in Multiple Occupation [pdf document]
Notice of Additional Licensing [pdf document]
Guide to Tenants' of Houses in Multiple Occupation [pdf document]
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.
Mezzanine floors may or may not be included as separate floors, depending on their location and use. Contact us for more information.
Will there be a fee?
Yes - a separate fee will be set for each property. A licence may not relate to more than one property and is not transferable to a different property, or to a different person.
Additional charges may also be made for work carried out in connection with your HMO not covered by the initial licence fee. You will receive a breakdown of what your licence fee pays for. A licence will normally last for a maximum of five years, although it can be for a shorter period.
Can you refuse to licence?
Yes, if the property does not meet the conditions described and the landlord or manager is not a fit and proper person.
What will happen then?
If a landlord fails to bring an HMO up to the required standard, or fails to meet the fit and proper person criteria, we can issue an Interim Management Order (IMO), which allows us to step in and manage the property. The owner keeps their rights as an owner. This order can last for a year until suitable permanent management arrangements can be made.
If there has been no improvement, then we can issue a Final Management Order.
This can last up to five years and can be renewed.
Can I make an appeal?
You may appeal if we decide to:
You must appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal, normally within 28 days.