Do You Need an HMO Licence for Four Tenants?

As a landlord, one of the most critical questions you may have is whether you need a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence for your property. This inquiry becomes particularly relevant if four or more tenants live together in the same dwelling.

What is an HMO?

An HMO is defined as a property that meets the following criteria:

  • It has a minimum of three tenants from different households.
  • Shared kitchen, bathroom, and toilet facilities are available.

According to the definition, a household can include:

  • An individual living alone
  • Family members living together
  • Couples who are married, cohabiting, or in same-sex relationships

At What Point Do You Require an HMO Licence?

There are two categories of HMOs: mandatory and additional.

  • Mandatory HMOs require a licence from the local council if the property has five or more tenants.
  • Additional HMOs may or may not require a licence based on local regulations, number of storeys, and occupants.

It is crucial to adhere to HMO regulations as they are designed to safeguard tenant health and safety. Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal consequences, and even imprisonment.

Do I Need an HMO Licence for Four Tenants?

If you have four tenants, your property does not need a mandatory HMO licence. However, since it may still be classified as an HMO, you might need to obtain a local authority licence based on your local council’s rules.

Certain exemptions may apply, such as if family members occupy the property or if it’s a purpose-built block of flats.

We have gathered information from the London boroughs, accurate at the time of writing, but it’s essential to consult your local council to confirm whether your property requires a licence.

Borough Number of Tenants
Barnet 3
Bexley 5
Brent 3
Bromley 5
Camden 3
Croydon 3
Ealing 3
Enfield 3
Greenwich 3
Hackney 3
Hammersmith and Fulham 3
Haringey 3
Harrow 3
Havering 3
Hillingdon 5
Hounslow 3
Islington 3
Kensington and Chelsea 3
Kingston upon Thames 3
Lambeth 3
Lewisham 3
Merton 3
Newham 3
Redbridge 3
Richmond upon Thames 5
Southwark 5
Sutton 5
Tower Hamlets 3
Waltham Forest 3
Wandsworth 5
Westminster 3

Please note that the numbers indicate the tenants needing additional licensing in each borough. The information is correct at the time of publishing, but please click the link to the borough to verify current requirements.

For more information on the HMO licence for two tenants, check out our blog post here. To learn about the HMO licence for three tenants, visit our blog post here.

At BRH Property Management, we have extensive experience managing HMO properties and can assist you in navigating these complex regulations. We can also help you obtain a licence and ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.

Visit our website to learn more about our HMO property management services.

 It depends on your local council’s requirements. While you won’t need a mandatory HMO licence for three or four tenants, you may still require a local authority licence.

In most cases, a mandatory HMO licence is required for a single property with 5 or more tenants.

Licensing requirements can vary significantly between London boroughs. Some require licensing for properties with 3 or more tenants, while others only require it for 5 or more tenants. It’s essential to check with your specific local council for accurate information.

Yes, some exemptions may apply, such as:

  • If the property is occupied by family members
  • If it’s a purpose-built block of flats

Failure to comply with HMO regulations can result in:

  • Fines
  • Legal action
  • Potential imprisonment

It’s best to check with your local council for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding HMO licensing requirements in your specific area.ontent

Property management companies with experience in HMO properties, such as BRH Property Management, can assist with navigating complex regulations, obtaining licenses, and ensuring compliance with all requirements. Contact us if you’d like to chat about your property.

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