What counts as a household
Members of the same family form one household, while three friends sharing form three households. A flat shared by three friends is therefore an HMO, but a couple plus one friend usually is too, since that is two households and three people.
Licensing layers
Mandatory licensing covers larger HMOs. Some councils also run additional licensing for smaller HMOs and selective licensing for other rentals, so requirements vary by area and should be checked with the local council.
Extra obligations
HMOs carry additional standards on space, fire safety and amenities, and operating one without a licence where a licence is required is an offence.
Frequently asked questions
How many people make an HMO?
Three or more tenants from more than one household sharing facilities. Five or more from two households triggers mandatory licensing in England.
Do all HMOs need a licence?
Not all. Mandatory licensing applies to larger HMOs, but many councils run additional or selective schemes, so always check locally.
Related terms
Related reading
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