HMO licensing step by step

HMO licensing step by step

1. 1

   How many people, from how many households?

   5+ from 2+ householdsA mandatory HMO licence is needed.

   3–4 from 2+ householdsAn HMO — a licence only if the council runs additional licensing.

   One householdNot an HMO — but check selective licensing.
2. 2

   Check planning

   3–6 sharers is use class C4 (allowed from a family home unless an Article 4 direction applies); 7+ needs planning permission.

3. 3

   Apply to the council

   Floor plans, room sizes, fire safety, gas and electrical certificates, and the manager's details. The licence lasts up to 5 years.

4. 4

   Meet the conditions

   Minimum room sizes, fire doors and alarms, amenities, waste, and the HMO management regulations.

5. !

   Without a licence

   A criminal offence, civil penalties up to £40,000, rent repayment orders, and restrictions on getting possession.

6. ✓

   Renew in time

   Put the expiry date in your diary and apply before it runs out.

Checked against official sources on 10 November 2026 · General information, not legal advice · landlordwala.com/diagrams/hmo-licensing