Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
Is your home an HMO?
Your home is probably an HMO if at least 2 other people live in the property and:
they are not part of your family or household
you share a kitchen, toilet or bathroom with them
For your home to be an HMO, you must share with at least one other household.
What is a household?
A household could be a:
couple
single person
family with children
person with a live in carer
Example of an HMO
Ben rents a room in a shared house.
He shares with Tim and Lorna who live in the other bedroom.
They all share a kitchen.
Ben's house is an HMO, because 2 households share a kitchen.
Licence from the council
Your landlord needs an HMO licence from the council if you share with 4 or more people. Some of these people might be part of your household.
Some councils make all HMO landlords get a licence.
Student shared housing
Check with your council to see if your landlord needs an HMO licence for your home.
Student accommodation owned by a university is not an HMO.
Property guardians
Your home is an HMO if:
more than one household lives in the property
people share a kitchen, toilet or bathroom or do not have these facilities
Your property guardian company needs an HMO licence if you share with 4 or more people.
Some councils make all HMO managers get a licence. Ask your council if your property guardian company needs a licence.
Find out about the rights of property guardians.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
