Houses in Multiple Occupation / shared homes

Your home will probably be a house in multiple occupation (HMO)/shared home if:

• three or more unrelated people live there as at least 2 separate households - for example, 3 single people with their own rooms, or 2 couples each sharing a room

• the people living there share basic amenities - like a kitchen and/or bathroom.

An HMO can be either:

• a house split into separate bedsits/self-contained flats

• a shared house or shared flat, where people have separate renting agreements

• a hostel

• a bed-and-breakfast hotel that isn't just for holidays

• shared accommodation for students - although many halls of residence and other types of student accommodation owned by educational establishments aren't classed as HMOs.

If you live in an HMO, your landlord must meet certain standards and obligations.

• What responsibilities does the landlord of a HMO have?

  Responsibilities of a HMO landlord.

• Who is responsible for doing repairs on a HMO?

  Landlord and tenant responsibilities for repairs.

• Mandatory licensable houses in multiple occupation / Shared houses

  Your landlord must apply for a mandatory HMO licence to the Council if it is occupied by 5 or more unrelated people who share amenities such as a kitchen and/or bathrooms.

• How do I complain about the conditions of my HMO?

  HMO complaints