A house in multiple occupation ( HMO ) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It’s sometimes called a ‘house share’.

How many people can share a bathroom in a HMO?

Health and safety regulation for an HMO typically requires one bathroom for every four tenants. If you have five tenants you will probably need to supply separate toilets from the main bathroom in the main bathroom suite.

Do you need planning permission for multiple occupation?

While planning permission is required for those HMOs with more than 6 occupants, the vast majority of HMOs are not subject to the scrutiny of a planning application. This can lead to a proliferation of HMOs in certain areas, which can in turn have a detrimental impact upon the amenity of existing residents.

Can a HMO have two kitchens?

A bedsit can be occupied by a maximum of two persons. If every bedsit room within the HMO has exclusive use of their own kitchen facilities, there will be no requirements for a shared kitchen. 1 or 2 person self-contained flats contained within an HMO. 1.

What are the regulations for HMO?

Your home is probably an HMO if:

  • 3 or more unrelated people live there as at least 2 separate households – for example, 3 single people with their own rooms, or 2 couples each sharing a room.
  • the 3 or more people living there share basic amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom.

How many bedrooms make a HMO?

Your home is probably an HMO if: 3 or more unrelated people live there as at least 2 separate households – for example, 3 single people with their own rooms, or 2 couples each sharing a room.

How many rooms can a HMO have?

Your property may be classed as an House in Multiple Occupation ( HMO ) if you let rooms to more than 2 people. There are extra safety requirements and standards for HMOs and you’ll often need a licence.

Can a flat be a HMO?

Is a block of flats a HMO? If the block is a house which has been converted entirely into self-contained flats the conversion will be regarded by us as an HMO if it does not comply at least with the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and if more than one third of the flats are let out on short leases.

Who is exempt from HMO licence?

Properties exempt from HMO licensing a property occupied by two people living as two households (two-person flat shares) buildings managed or controlled by public sector bodies (such as the police or the NHS), the London Hostels Association or a registered social landlord.

How much deposit do you need for a HMO?

You will also need a sizeable deposit for an HMO mortgage. Most lenders require LTV ratios of 60% to 75% or less (i.e. at least 25% deposit).

Do all HMOs need fire doors?

As it currently stands, fire doors are only legally required in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). All doors leading to an escape route must be fire resistant and close automatically and it’s advised that fire doors are also fitted to high-risk rooms, such as the kitchen.

How many people can live in a HMO house?

Your home is probably an HMO if: 3 or more unrelated people live there as at least 2 separate households – for example, 3 single people with their own rooms, or 2 couples each sharing a room. the 3 or more people living there share basic amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom.

An HMO is required to be licensed with the Council if it is occupied by 5 or more tenants, of which at least 2 households share one or more basic amenities including kitchen, bathroom or WC. If the HMO is above business premises, each storey of the business premises is included when counting storeys.

Is a HMO a dwelling house?

The current definition of a dwelling house implies that up to six people living together as a single household should not, prima facie, be considered as a HMO.

Does a HMO need a living room?

Yes, that’s right there are minimum standards that a kitchen and living space has to be. This varies depending on the number of tenants living in the property and obviously the more tenants you have, the larger the communal areas must be.

How much is a large HMO license?

LICENCE FEES The standard HMO licence fee is £1,100,split into two payments. For larger HMOs with more than ten units of accommodation the fee is increased by an extra £50 for each additional unit of accommodation in excess of ten. NB For very large HMOs there is a maximum fee of £6,000.

How many bathrooms should a 3 bedroom house have?

The average ratio for most homeowners is that there should be at least two bathrooms for every three bedrooms. For instance, if you have a three-bedroom house, it is most likely that there will be the main bathroom for adults, and a family bathroom for children and other members of the family.

What makes a house in multiple occupation HMO?

Your home is a house in multiple occupation (HMO) if both of the following apply: at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than 1 household you share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants

What kind of House is in multiple occupation?

A house in multiple occupation is a house occupied by people who do not live as a single household. This can include bedsits, shared houses, hostels, non-self contained flats and houses converted into flats. Hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments that are used to accommodate homeless people or asylum seekers are also HMOs.

How many people can be in a HMO?

From 1 October 2018, mandatory HMO licensing applies to HMOs which are occupied by five or more people regardless of the number of storeys. This includes shared houses, flats, bedsits with shared facilities and buildings converted into a mixture of self-contained and non self-contained accommodation.

Why do we need guidance for houses in multiple occupation?

See our Guidance to HMO Amenity Standardsdocument. This guidance is intended to assist in the provision of accommodation in Houses in Multiple Occupation which contributes to a safe and healthy environment for the occupants and any visitors. New changes to HMO licensing