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Glossary

HMO licence

Also called: HMO, house in multiple occupation licence, section 257 HMO, additional licensing

A licence from the local council that some houses in multiple occupation must hold, which can include converted blocks of flats that don't meet the 1991 Building Regulations and where fewer than two-thirds of the flats are owner-occupied.

Most purpose-built blocks of flats aren't HMOs. But a building converted into flats can be a "section 257 HMO" if the conversion didn't meet the 1991 Building Regulations (and still doesn't) and fewer than two-thirds of the flats are owner-occupied. Some councils require these to be licensed under "additional licensing" schemes.

If your building is licensed

  • A licence lasts for up to 5 years, and a fee is payable to apply and renew. Start the renewal well before it expires: running a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence.
  • The licence names a licence holder and a manager, and comes with conditions. Treat each condition as a task with a date and keep the evidence.
  • HMO management rules apply to the common parts, such as keeping escape routes clear and testing the fixed electrics at least every five years.
  • A licence can't be transferred (s.68(6)). If management changes, for example after the right to manage, ask the council whether the licence needs varying or a new application.

Ask your council's private housing team whether your building is in a licensing area.

Related terms

Sources

  1. Housing Act 2004, s.257 (HMOs: certain converted blocks of flats)
  2. Housing Act 2004, s.68 (licences: general requirements and duration)
  3. Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Additional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2007

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