Houses in multiple occupation - licensing and registration
How we provide this service
Licensing of homes in multiple occupancy is supported by Community & Neighbourhood Services, Community Housing.
The Housing Act 2004 introduced the licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It is compulsory to licence larger, higher-risk HMOs as from 6 April 2006. Councils will also be able to license other types of HMO to tackle problems on these smaller properties.
Mandatory Licensing Application Form
Proposed Conditions
Fee Structure
Fire Safety Standards Bulletin
HMO Licensing Flowchart
Definition of a HMO
Landlords Guide
South Hollands Policy and Private Sector Housing Strategy
What to do to get this service
The Council does check Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to make sure they are in a satisfactory condition, are safe, have satisfactory means of escape from fire, have sufficient bathrooms and kitchens, have adequate space and proper management.
What is an HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation is a house, which is occupied be people who do not form a single household. Examples include:
- a house let as individual bedsitting rooms
- a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
- hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
- lodgings, and shared houses
- houses converted into self-contained flats
What do we check for?
We look at conditions such as:
- means of escape in case of fire and other fire precautions
- amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms toilets and wash hand basins
- overcrowding with regards to the number and size of rooms
- general fitness for occupation
- management standards
- gas safety
- furniture fire safety
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)Leaflet
HMO Mandatory Licensing application form
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
