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As a landlord, if you own a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) - a rented property with shared facilities - you may need a licence to let.
Mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) came into force across all local authorities in England on 01 October 2018. The intention is to raise the standard of accommodation for people living in HMOs.
Under the national mandatory licensing scheme an HMO must be licensed if any property occupied by five or more people, forming two or more households, who also share facilities such as the kitchen or bathroom, regardless of the number of storeys. If you are unsure whether an HMO needs a licence check with your local housing authority.
In England and Wales you must apply to your local council for a HMO licence which is valid for a maximum of 5 years. To apply for a licence online visit https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence