In England, every council must license larger HMOs. Many councils go further, with additional HMO licensing for smaller shared homes and selective licensing for single lets and families in chosen areas. Getting it wrong can mean a fine and having to repay rent, so it pays to check.
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The three types of licence
| Licence | Who needs one | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Homes let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share facilities | Every council in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | Smaller HMOs, usually 3 or 4 sharers | Councils that choose to, for some or all wards |
| Selective licensing | Most other privately rented homes, including single lets and families | Councils that choose to, in designated areas |
Frequently asked questions
What is selective licensing?
Selective licensing lets a council require a licence for most privately rented homes in a chosen area, not just HMOs. Schemes usually last up to 5 years.
What is additional HMO licensing?
Additional licensing lets a council require licences for smaller HMOs, usually homes shared by 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households, that are not covered by mandatory HMO licensing.