Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

The Act 2004 introduces licensing of certain types of House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) from April 2006, and also introduces a new definition of a HMO. The following information is provided to give a brief overview of the HMO definition and how licensing will operate within North Shropshire District Council.

What is a HMO?

A HMO is a house or flat that is occupied, as a main residence, by more than one household, where occupiers share facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms and WCs. This would include, for example, houses containing bedsits, a combination of bedsits and self contained flats where the bedsits shared facilities, shared houses and hostels.

In addition, houses entirely converted into self contained flats NOT in strict compliance with the Building Regulations 1991 and occupied by less than two thirds owner occupiers are also HMOs.

Which types of HMO need a licence?

Nationally, HMOs comprising of 3 or more storeys, occupied by 5 or more people in 2 or more households must obtain a licence, this is a mandatory requirement of the Government.

If you are unsure of the status of your property, please contact the Private Sector section on the contact details given below.

Licences must be applied for by July 2006.

Are any properties exempt?

Certain types of property are exempt from the need to licence and these are:

Local Authority owned properties, whether freehold or leasehold
Properties owned or managed by public bodies, such as a Registered Social Landlord, Health Service body or Police Authority, and properties regulated by other legislation, e.g. care homes, children's homes, bail houses.