HMO Licences

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licences are required throughout the UK for properties that are rented out to multiple tenants who are not part of the same family or household.

The purpose of an HMO licence is to ensure that the property is safe and suitable for multiple occupants and to prevent overcrowding and other issues that can arise in shared accommodation.

The landlords may also need to apply for an HMO licence from their local council or housing authority. This process typically involves providing information about the property and the proposed tenancy, as well as paying a fee.

Once the licence is obtained, the landlord must continue to meet certain requirements and may be subject to periodic inspections to ensure that the property remains safe for its occupants. In Scotland, the licence must be renewed every 3 years – this number climbs up to 5 years in other localities throughout the UK.

There are two types and several categories of HMO Licences available:

1. Mandatory HMO Licence: This type is required by law for certain types of HMOs, typically those that meet specific criteria of the adequate number of tenants and the number of floors in the building. Landlords must apply for this type of licence and meet specific standards and requirements in order to be granted a licence.
2. Additional HMO Licence: This type of licence is required in places where local authorities have designated the area as being subject to additional licencing requirements. These licences can be required for smaller HMOs that might not meet the criteria for a mandatory licence but are still deemed to pose a higher risk to tenants due to factors such as poor living conditions or high levels of anti-social behaviour.