As a landlord, one of the most important questions you may have is whether you need a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence for your property. This is especially relevant if three or more tenants live in the same property.
What is an HMO?
An HMO is classified as a property that meets the following criteria:
- It has a minimum of three tenants belonging to different households.
- There are shared kitchen, bathroom, and toilet facilities available.
According to the definition, a household comprises:
- An individual who lives alone
- Family members residing together
- Couples who are married, cohabiting, or in same-sex relationships.
At what point do you require an HMO license?
There are two types of HMOs: mandatory and additional.Mandatory HMOs, a single property with 5 or more tenants, require a licence from the local council.
Additional HMOs may or may not require a licence depending on the local regulations, number of storeys and occupants.
It is essential to comply with HMO regulations as they are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of tenants. Failure to comply can result in fines, legal action, and even imprisonment.
Compliance with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations (2006) under the Housing Act 2004 is necessary regardless of whether it’s a mandatory or additional HMO.
Do I need an HMO licence for 3 tenants?
If you have three or four tenants, your property won’t require a mandatory HMO licence. However, if your property is still classed as an HMO, you may still require a local authority licence, depending on your local council’s requirements.
Some exemptions and exceptions may apply, such as if family members occupy the property or it is a purpose-built block of flats.
We have collated all the information from the London boroughs which was correct at the time of writing but it is essential to check with your local council to determine 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 represent the number of tenants requiring additional licensing in each borough. Correct at the time of publishing, but please click the link to the borough to check 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 four tenants, visit our blog post here.
At BRH Property Management, we have extensive experience managing HMO properties and can help you navigate the complex regulations. We can also assist you with obtaining a licence and ensuring compliance with all the 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.