Houses in Multiple Occupancy

A property will be defined as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) if it is:

• a shared house that is occupied by more than one household and who share one or more amenities (i.e. w/c, wash hand basin, shower, bath, cooking facilities)
• a house divided into bed sits, occupied by people who do not form one household and who share on or more amenities
• an individual flat that is occupied by more than one household and who share one or more amenities
• a building of self contained flats, that do not meet as a minimum standard the requirements of the 1991 Building Regulation, and at least one third of the flats are privately rented.

In order to be an HMO the property must be used as the tenants' only or main residence and it should be used solely or mainly to house tenants. Properties let to students and migrant workers will be treated as their only or main residence and the same will apply to properties which are used as domestic refuges.

It is widely recognised that many HMO residents are among the poorest and most vulnerable in society.

The HMOs that they live in can be particularly difficult to manage and can present a greater risk to occupants than houses occupied by single households. Because of the risks associated with HMOs, licensing for this sector has been introduced.

For more information about HMOs visit our Landlord Service Site.