The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018 defines the following types of property as a house in multiple occupation (HMO):
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) occupied by five or more tenants who form two or more households must be licensed by the council.
View the Government's Licensing of HMOs in England - A Guide for Landlords and Managers
The landlord has responsibility for submitting a licence application to the council.
Apply for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) Regulations apply to all HMOs, whether the HMO requires a licence or not.
The regulations impose certain duties on managers and occupiers of HMOs.
View the Government's Licensing of HMOs in England - A Guide for Landlords and Managers
When carrying out inspections of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), the council's housing enforcement team use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess conditions within the property.
View the Government's guide to HHSRS
All HMOs must comply with the council's standards of amenities.
The standards set out the basic requirements for size, heating, facilities, etc
Download a copy of the council's Standards of Amenities
The council publishes a register of all licensed HMOs in the borough.