What is a HMO?
HMO stands for House in Multiple Occupation which means a house (or flat), which contains more than one household.
A ‘household’ can be a family (including foster children or children being cared for); a single person; or a couple living together (whether or not of the opposite sex).
Examples of HMO's
- An entire house or flat which is let to three or more tenants who form two or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
- A house or flat which has been converted entirely into bedsits or other non-self-contained accommodation and which is let to three or more tenants who form two or more households and who share kitchen, bathroom or toilet facilities.
- A converted house which contains one or more flats which are not wholly self-contained (eg the flat does not contain within it a kitchen or bathroom or toilet) and which is occupied by three or more tenants who form two or more households.
- A building which is converted entirely into self-contained flats if the conversion does not meet the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and more that one-third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies (rented out).
Why is the government concerned about HMOs?
HMOs provide affordable housing for many young and vulnerable tenants. However, it is possible to find the very worst housing standards in HMOs and these tenants are most at risk from poor management.
The most common problems associated with multiple occupancy relate to poor fire safety standards, overcrowding, inadequate facilities and poor management.
More information
Go to the Office of Public Sector Information's website to view the The Housing Act 2004, Part 7, Paragraphs 254 and 257
Go to the Communities and Local Government website for more information on houses in multiple occupation
Mandatory HMO licensing
On 6 April 2006 Mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation came into force nationally. It is now compulsory to license larger, higher risk HMO’s.
Go to the Licensing pages for more information and frequently asked questions
HMO grants
HMO grant assistance may be available to assist landlords in bringing their properties up to the required standard.
Further information on these grants can be obtained from the Private Sector Housing Renewal Assistance Policy 2006.
Private Sector Housing Renewal Assistance Policy
Download the Private Sector Housing Renewal Assistance Policy (270kb 64 page pdf)
How to contact us
Regeneration and Housing Standards Team
Strategic Housing Unit, Textile Hall, Manchester Road, Bury, BL9 0DG
Phone: 0161 253 5353
Fax: 0161 253 5391
E-mail: customercontactteam@bury.gov.uk
On-line: report a problem
