What is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
What is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
An HMO is a structure or part of a structure (such as a flat) that is occupied by three or more people living as more than one household and for which rent or some other compensation is paid.
The most prevalent type of HMO is when three or more unrelated people live in the same property, each paying rent for their own bedroom but sharing a kitchen and/or bathroom. However, Sections 254 - 259 of the Housing Act 2004 outline various methods in which the occupation of a structure, or part of a building, can be classified as an HMO.
Buildings holding self-contained apartments, as well as buildings featuring a combination of self-contained flats and non-self-contained flats, can be classified as HMOs.
To safeguard HMO renters from deplorable living circumstances, the government supervises the quality of housing and ensures that:
In the HMO, there aren't too many people.
The HMO's circumstances are constantly monitored.
Before starting any work or applying for a licence, you should check with the planning department to see if the property may be converted into an HMO. If planning clearance is unlikely to be granted, an HMO licence has no influence on the situation if the Planning Office decides to take formal action.
If you own an HMO and are a landlord, you may need an HMO licence. All parts of HMO licencing are dealt with by Private Rented Services, including:
assisting you in determining which buildings require a permit
assisting you in the application process
Once your licence has been obtained, aiding you with any occurrences or changes in circumstances
When your present licence is about to expire, we can assist you in renewing it.
These pages provide all of the information you'll need to apply for, update, or renew an HMO licence. An HMO licence can also be applied for or renewed online.
A single person living alone, without partners or family, is considered a household. Three households would be counted if three buddies shared a residence.
married, single, or in a domestic or civil partnership couples
Parents, grandparents, children and stepchildren, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins all live together. Foster parents/children and half-relatives are recognised as complete relatives.
Domestic servents are also considered members of the home if they live rent-free in housing supplied by the person for whom they work.