Houses in Multiple Occupation and shared homes

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

• three or more unrelated people live there as at least two separate households - for example, three single people with their own rooms, or two couples each sharing a room
• the people living there share basic amenities - like a kitchen 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 a 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 or 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 or bathrooms.

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

  HMO complaints