Houses in Multiple Occupation - HMOs

Significant changes are being implemented as a direct consequence of the Housing Act 2004. These changes relate to Houses In Multiple Occupation or "HMOs".

It is compulsory to license larger, higher-risk HMO’s. Councils are also able to license other types of HMO to tackle problems in smaller properties. A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a house or flat occupied by people who do not live as a single household. These properties include shared houses (students and professionals), houses that have been converted into self contained flats and bedsits (to note the most common ones)

It is an offence if the landlord or person in Control of the property fails to apply for a license for a licensable property and allows a property to be occupied by more people than are permitted under the license.

As this a new and complex area please follow these links for up-to-date details:

Birmingham City Council – HMO Licensing Info

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