Is Your House a Licensed HMO? How to Check and Why It Matters
Living in a shared house can be a great way to meet people and split the cost of living, but it’s important to know if your home is operating legally. In England and Wales, many shared properties must be licensed by the local council to ensure they meet safety and amenity standards.
What is a Mandatory HMO License?
A property must be licensed as an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) if:
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It is occupied by five or more people forming more than one household.
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Some or all tenants share a kitchen, bathroom, or WC.
Some councils also have “Additional Licensing” schemes, which mean even smaller HMOs with three or four tenants need a license.
How to Check Your Property
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Search the Register: Every local council is legally required to maintain a public register of licensed HMOs. You can usually find this by searching your council’s website for “HMO Public Register.”
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Contact Environmental Health: If you can’t find it online, a quick call to the council’s housing department will confirm if a license is held.
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Look for the Paperwork: A copy of the HMO license should be clearly displayed in a common area of the house, such as the entrance hall or kitchen.
Why It Matters to You
If a landlord operates an unlicensed HMO, they are committing a criminal offence. More importantly for you, it often means the property hasn’t been inspected for fire safety or overcrowding. If your home should be licensed but isn’t, you may even be entitled to a Rent Repayment Order (RRO), where you can claim back up to 12 months of rent.
