Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
A property is classed as a house in multiple occupation if it:
- is occupied by five or more persons
- forms two or more households
- requires occupants to share a bathroom or kitchen
Types of occupation can include:
- cohesive groups (shared house)
- non-cohesive groups (bedsit)
- certain self-contained flats
Cohesive
Houses occupied on a shared basis. These would normally be occupied by members of a defined social group for example students or a group of young single adults. The occupiers have use of a bedroom but would share other facilities including a communal living space.
Non-cohesive
Houses occupied as individual rooms where there is some exclusive occupation. Usually bedroom or living room and some sharing of amenities such as a bathroom or toilet and kitchen. Each occupant lives otherwise independently of all others.
Mandatory licensing
A property must meet all the criteria in order to require a license. A property with an existing mandatory licence cannot be transferred to a new owner.
Planning permission
If you use a building as a house in multiple occupation you may need planning permission.
Find out about applying for planning permission or building regulations approval.
Apply online
Fees – From 1 April 2024
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New licence | £850 |
| Licence renewal | £850 |
| Variation to licence | £160 |
Public register
Contact details
Home Improvement Team, New Oxford House, 2 George Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1HB
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01472 326296
Opening times: Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4:30 pm, except bank holidays