House in multiple occupation (HMO) - licence, fees and rules
What is an HMO and does it need a licence?
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a house or flat occupied by people who do not form a single household. Households include:
- Single people
- Couples (including married, cohabiting or civil partnerships)
- Foster parents and carers
HMOs also typically share one or more of the following:
- A kitchen
- Bathroom
- Toilet
HMOs are usually in the following types of accommodation:
- Bedsit accommodation
- Shared houses
- Some bed and breakfast establishments
- A guardian occupied property (where someone lives in an otherwise vacant property that they guard/look after)
- Hostels
- Guesthouses
- Houses let to lodgers
- Residential care homes
HMO licensing
Certain larger HMOs have to be licensed with the council but you don't need a licence to rent out all HMOs in the borough of Hinckley & Bosworth. (Please note, you don’t need a licence to rent out other residential properties in this borough.)
You require a licence for a HMO when all of the following apply:
- There are five or more occupants living in the property
- Two or more separate households live in the property
If you think your HMO requires a licence, go to apply for a HMO licence
Further information is available for landlords and tenants on the following websites:
- Landlords: do you need a property licence (GOV.UK)
- Tenants: does your landlord need a licence (GOV.UK)
Last updated: 03/01/2024 12:33
