Homes in Multiple Occupancy

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), is a building, or part of a building, such as a flat, that:

• is occupied by more than one household, and where more than one household shares – or lacks – an amenity, such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities
• is occupied by more than one household and which is a converted building – but not entirely self-contained flats (whether or not some amenities are shared or lacking)
• is converted self-contained flats, but does not meet as a minimum standard the requirements of the 1991 Building Regulation, and at least one third of the flats are privately rented

Since 6 April 2006 licensing of some Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is compulsory (2004 Housing Act). The Council is revising its HMO Standards. Read a summary of the changes and give us your views.

• Government licensing
• Smoking and HMOs
• HMOs exempt from licensing
• Licensing criteria
• Fit and Proper persons
• Reasonably suitable
• About the licence
• Inspecting the property
• Applying for a licence
• Refusing licences
• Penalities and exemptions
• Is my property an HMO?
• HMO standards