Multiple Occupancy Homes
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
licensing aims to improve the standards of management and repair
within HMOs.
It is now a mandatory duty
for:
- All Local Authorities to have a licensing
scheme
- Owners of certain types of HMOs to have a
licence
HMOs present a particular problem in
the rented sector and although there are many good landlords, there
are some who are unable or unwilling to manage their properties
properly.
The information here will help landlords decide if they need a
licence, and explain how to get one.
What is a House in Multiple occupation?
A HMO is a building or part of a building which meets one of the
following tests:
A- The Standard test
Any building in which
two or more households share basic amenities. For example toilets,
kitchens, and bathrooms.
B - The Self-contained flat test
Any flat
in which two or more households share basic amenities. For example
toilets, kitchens, and bathrooms.
C - The Converted building test
Any
converted building comprised of one or more units of accommodation
that are not self-contained.
D - Certain converted block of flats
Any
converted building comprised of self-contained flats that does not
meet the 1991 Building Regulation Standards, and more than one
third of the flats are occupied on short tenancies.
Which Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) MUST have
a licence?
If a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) fits:
a) the Standard test Or
c) the Converted building test
And
- It is more than 3 storeys high (this includes basement and
attic rooms)
- It has five or more people living there
And
- The 5 people make up more than one household (family unit)
The property MUST have a licence.