What is HMO Licence?

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence is required by landlords renting to multiple unrelated tenants who share facilities. Mandatory licensing applies to larger HMOs (generally five or more occupants forming two or more households), while many councils operate additional licensing for smaller HMOs. Licences set standards for room sizes, amenities, fire safety and management. Renting an unlicensed HMO that needs a licence is a criminal offence and can lead to rent-repayment orders and fines.