Not all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) need a licence. The type of licence you need depends on the property and how many people live there.
When you need a mandatory HMO licence
You must apply for a mandatory HMO licence if 5 or more people live in the property and:
- They form 2 or more households
- They share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom
For example, a house where 5 unrelated people live and share a kitchen or bathroom would normally need a mandatory HMO licence.
When you may need an additional HMO licence
You may need an additional HMO licence if:
- 3 or 4 people live in the property and form 2 or more households
- The property has been converted into self-contained flats and meets the definition of a Section 257 HMO
Our additional HMO licensing scheme has been in effect since 29 April 2025. View the notices for our additional HMO licensing scheme
When you may not need an HMO licence
You may not need a licence if:
- Only 2 people live in the property and they form 2 households
- The owner lives in the property with no more than 2 lodgers
- The property is certain types of student accommodation managed by a recognised educational establishment
- The property is owned or managed by a public body
If you operate an HMO without a licence
If your HMO needs a licence and you operate it without one, you could face:
- Enforcement action
- Financial penalties
- Prosecution in serious cases
- Rent Repayment Orders
Apply for an HMO licence
If you do need to apply for a licence, you can apply online.