Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018
Since 1st October 2018 mandatory licensing’ will apply to all HMO’s or any type of property occupied by five persons or more, in two or more households, regardless of the number of storeys and where they share one or more of the basic amenities, will require a license.
We have legal powers to deal with unsatisfactory conditions which do not meet the Prescribed Standards for HMOs.
HMO Public Register
All properties with a HMO licence are listed in our HMO Licensing Register. To view the HMO Public Register please click the button below.
How can a landlord apply for a HMO licence?
If you are the landlord or manager of an HMO you can apply for a licence by completing the form below
Apply for a HMO Licence - Online Application
Licenses usually last for 5 years.
Our Housing Standards Team must inspect the property during this time, the purpose of which will be to ensure the property is free from hazards that affect the residents and their visitors.
Further Information:
Please contact our Housing Standards Team for further details.
Information you will need to provide with your application
We advise that landlords get to know our Prescribed Standards for HMOs and make sure they have the required documentation in order to make an application.
- Landlord gas safety certificate for all appliances and installations.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report dated within the last 5 years.
- Fire alarm test certificate dated within the last 12 months - Please ensure that you have the correct type of alarm system for your property. LACORS have provided guidance on this, or you can contact our Housing Standards Team.
- Emergency lighting test certificate dated within the last 12 months (if installed).
- Portable appliance test certificate for any landlord provided electrical items.
- A sketch plan for the property detailing the layout and position and size of each room.
Information about rooms sizes are important as:
- Bedrooms occupied by a single adult MUST have at least 6.51 sq.m floor area
- Bedrooms occupied by a couple MUST have at least 10.22 sq. m floor area
- No room under 4.64 sq.m can be used as a bedroom by any person
Further information:
Operating without a HMO licence
Any landlord operating licensable HMO without a licence will be:
- Committing a criminal offence
- Liable for an unlimited fine upon successful prosecution or a Financial Civil Penalty in accordance with Council policy.
More information
Landlords who fail to apply for a licence for a HMO could;
- Face a penalty notice of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine from the Court.
- Have management control of their unlicensed property taken away.
- Be ordered to pay up to 12 months rent to their tenants.
Temporary exemptions are available if steps are being taken which mean the property will not need a licence, for example;
- Being sold
- Current occupation of property is about to change.
Exemptions will last for 3 months and must be applied for with;
- A detailed explanation supporting the request
- Evidence supporting the request.
Once the exemption expires then a valid HMO application must be made. Enforcement action will be taken if an application is not received.
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Unlicensed HMO |
Prosecution with unlimited fines. If there are tenants then the right to evict is suspended until a licence has been obtained. |
| More than agreed number of people or households living in HMO property | Prosecution with unlimited fines |
| Collecting rent from an unlicensed HMO | The landlord may be required to pay back up to a years worth of rent. |
We may cancel or change a licence, or the licence holder may apply to have the licence cancelled or changed for the following reasons.
Cancellation:
- House is no longer an House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
- Licence holder changes.
- Any other change in circumstances
- Where there has been a serious breach of a condition or repeated breaches.
- Where the licence holder is no longer suitable to hold the licence
- Where the management is no longer satisfactory.
- Where the HMO is no longer suitable to be an HMO.
Changed:
- Following an inspection of the property there is a need to change the licence conditions
- There is a change to the information provided on the application form
- Where there is a change to the legislation and the standards associated with it.
The number of people who can live in a property will depend on;
- Planning permission - Planning allows a maximum of 6 persons to share a property. Anything above that will require additional permission.
- Facilities provided - Environmental Health will permit a maximum of 5 persons to share kitchen and bathroom facilities.
- Bedroom sizes
Please see our HMO standards for more information.
Yes- if there are 5 or more staff and the staff do not have permanent residence elsewhere.
Yes it is an HMO but it does not require a licence.
Please refer to Housing enforcement team should you require any advice on fire protection etc.
Please see LACORS guidance on fire safety.
Contact us
Housing Standards Team
Tel: 01444-477292
Email: housingstandards@midsussex.gov.uk