Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's)

In this section

  1. What is a HMO?
  2. Mandatory Licensing
  3. HMO Standards
  4. Fire Safety for HMO's
  5. Fees and charges
  6. Applying for a HMO Licence
  7. Planning Rules for HMO's
  8. HMO Enforcement
  9. HMO Register
  10. Report an Unlicensed HMO
  11. Reporting a disrepair in HMO
  12. Varying a HMO license
  13. Buying and selling a HMO
  14. Revoking a HMO licence
  15. FAQ's - houses in multiple occupation

Report an Unlicensed HMO

All HMOs with five or more people require a mandatory HMO licence (required England-wide under the Housing Act 2004).

If you believe, a property may be an HMO without a licence for can report it anonymously for us to investigate.

When we find unlicensed HMO’s:

  • We can enter houses at any reasonable time to investigate offences without having to give notice and if necessary. If we believe that there is enough significant evidence of an offence we can apply to the magistrates court for a warrant.
  • We are not able to investigate possible family overcrowding under HMO legislation.
  • Tenants of unlicensed HMOs can claim up to a year’s rent back from their landlord and we provide tenants with information on how to do so. (Rent Repayment Order)
  • Section 21 Notices to Quit are not valid whilst an HMO remains unlicensed – we provide tenants with information on their rights to remain in the house.
  • We will contact the owner to inform them of the requirement to licence the house
  • We will decide if it is appropriate to begin an investigation and may take enforcement action. 

We cannot take action when:

  • We determine the house is not an HMO.
  • The house is not within city council’s boundary
  • The house is a large family property

Report an unlicensed HMO