Houses in multiple occupation (HMO) licence

Houses in multiple occupation

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a house occupied by people who do not live as a single household

Examples of HMOs

  • bedsits
  • shared houses
  • hostels
  • non-self contained flats
  • houses converted into flats
  • hotels
  • guest houses
  • bed and breakfast establishments used to accommodate homeless people or asylum seekers

What you need to do

Before you start

Landlords must check if a property has planning permission to be used as an HMO. If there is no consent for HMO, you will have to make a planning application.

Read the HMO licence application guidance notes (PDF, 260KB)

  • using the buttons below, log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the apply for an HMO licence application form
  • complete the relevant questions on the form and submit
  • MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7. For information about MyAccount visit the find out more page.

You will need to

  • upload any supporting documents requested, including a sketch plan of the layout of each floor in the property
  • make your payment

New HMO licence 

Renew your HMO licence

If you require further information before making an application, please fill in the form below.

HMO enquiry

HMO licensing

All HMOs with five or more people making up two or more families will need a licence to operate. This applies regardless of their size.

This is accordance with the Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018.

There are minimum space standards for bedrooms:

  • Rooms sleeping one adult must be no smaller than 6.51m2
  • Any rooms sleeping two adults must be no smaller than 10.22m2
  • Rooms slept in by children aged 10 or younger must be no smaller than 4.64m2

Where minimum space standards are not being met, landlords will be given up to 18 months to put things right. They must also provide appropriate bins to store and dispose of household waste from the property.

Converted blocks of flats that fall within the definition of HMO will not be subject to mandatory licensing unless there are any facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms which are shared or not fully self-contained.

In order to be licensed we must be satisfied that:

  • the house meets a prescribed amenity standard (PDF, 355KB)
  • is managed by a fit and proper person; and,
  • there are suitable management arrangements in place.

How much it costs

HMO fees (inclusive of VAT)

Application fee £1061

Renewal fee £901

Failure to licence an HMO is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £30,000.

View the London Property Licensing: Mandatory HMO licensing

Visit GOV.UK: Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Properties licensed as HMOs

A digital copy of the register can be viewed here  HMO licensing register