House in multiple Occupation (HMO) licence

f you rent out a property for house in multiple occupancy (HMO), you may require a licence from your local authority.

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) means a house that is occupied by persons who do not form a single household and where there is usually some sharing of facilities such as kitchen, bathroom or shared access. Examples of HMO include shared houses, bedsits and buildings converted into flats.

HMO properties play an important role in providing cheap and flexible accommodation in the private rented housing market. Unfortunately many of the worst housing conditions can be found in these properties and due to the nature of occupation and typical layout of the buildings can pose a significant fire risk to occupants.

Additional safety requirements apply to all HMO properties particularly relating to fire safety, overcrowding and provision of amenities. The Council actively identifies HMO dwellings and takes action to ensure they meet the current standards, larger HMO properties are subject to routine inspection.

In late 2004 the Government introduced a mandatory licence scheme for HMO's consisting 3 storeys or more and 5 or more occupants. If you own or manage such a property you should contact us with a view to registering your details, failure to apply for a licence may constitute an offence punishable by fine of up to £20,000.

Applications must be made to the local housing authority.

A fee maybe charged.

You must be a fit and proper person to hold the licence.

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Licences will be granted if:

• the house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
• the applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence
• the proposed manager has control of the house, and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
• the management arrangements are satisfactory

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Online facilities are provided through the national “Business Link” portal:

- Apply through business link portal for a licence to keep a house in multiple occupation

- Tell us through the business link portal about a change to your existing HMO licence

Please contact Malvern Hills District Council in the first instance.

You may appeal to a residential property tribunal.

Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.

Please contact Malvern Hills District Council in the first instance.

You may appeal to a residential property tribunal regarding conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence.

Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.

If a licence is granted and you wish to appeal against it being granted you may do so to a residential property tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.

British Property Federation (BPF)

National Federation of Property Professionals