Why you should license your house in multiple occupation (HMO)

Why you should licence your HMO and comply with your licence conditions and associated regulations and legislation.

Since 1 October 2018, all HMOs with five or more occupants must have a licence.

Benefits of licensing your HMO

Getting an HMO licensed means the property is safe and at a suitable standard for tenants. This helps landlords find and keep good tenants.

Landlords can also get various discounts on the fees.

You may also be eligible for a private landlord grant of up to £6,000 to cover 50% of works to bring your property up to standard.

It is a criminal offence to manage or control a property which should be licensed and is not. If your property is not licensed you could:

face prosecution and an unlimited fine
be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £40,000
be told to pay back any housing benefit claimed on that property during the period of the offence

Also, if a landlord or manager breaches conditions of their licence or the Management of HMO Regulations 2006 they could:

face prosecution and an unlimited fine
be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £40,000
have their licence revoked by us, and we may take over the management of the HMO

4th Floor, LAURENCE HOUSE 1 CATFORD ROAD CATFORD SE6 4RU

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Published on: 07/04/2026