Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
5 or more people from 2 or more households need a mandatory HMO licence; councils may license smaller HMOs too.
A mandatory licence is needed when 5 or more people forming more than one household share facilities. Councils can also require 'additional' licences for smaller HMOs, or 'selective' licences for all lets in an area.
Planning is separate: in an Article 4 area, turning a house into a small HMO needs planning permission.
Room sizes, fire safety and amenity standards apply. Letting without a required licence can mean fines and rent repayment orders.
What to check
- Licence needed? (mandatory, additional or selective)
- Article 4 direction in the area?
- Fire safety and room-size standards
Who can help
The council's private housing team; a planning consultant for Article 4.
Official sources
Checked 5 November 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice.