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Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property lived in by three or more people who form more than one household and share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. Examples include shared houses or flats, bedsits and some types of converted buildings.

Apply for an HMO licence

Certain HMOs must be licensed to ensure they are safe, well‑managed and meet required standards.

This applies to HMOs that:

  • are occupied by five or more people
  • form two or more separate households
  • have shared facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

The following publications explain more about HMOs, which HMOs are required to be licensed, and what responsibilities there are in relation to their management.

Fees for a licence:

  • For a new licence: £1,260 for up to eight habitable rooms plus £70 for each habitable room above eight.
  • For a licence renewal: £966 for up to eight habitable rooms plus £53 for each habitable room above eight.

If you require pre-application advice, a phone/video consultation is £105 per hour.

A property inspection is £184 per hour.

Apply for or renew a licence

You will be asked to supply documentation including a copy of the Tenancy Agreement, gas and fire safety certificates, electrical test reports, and plans of the building.

Management and standards

Licensed HMOs must have a manager, whose name, address and telephone number is displayed in the main entrance hallway.

They are responsible for ensuring all fire‑fighting equipment, emergency lighting and fire alarms are properly maintained. A competent contractor must service the system regularly under a maintenance contract set up at installation. The manager must also carry out weekly tests and record them in the logbook provided by the installer.

There are certain standards that must be met to create a safe and healthy environment for the occupants and any visitors. Read our guidance below.

Licensed HMOs

Contact us

Get in touch with our private sector housing team if you need further help.

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