Why you should license your house in multiple occupation (HMO)
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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.
What happens if you don’t license your HMO
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:
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face prosecution and an unlimited fine
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be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £40,000
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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:
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face prosecution and an unlimited fine
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be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £40,000
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have their licence revoked by us, and we may take over the management of the HMO