Houses of multiple occupation and extended mandatory licensing

Any property that is occupied by more than two people who are not related or living as a couple, and where rent is paid, and facilities shared can be classed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

A HMO can be a house or flat which is occupied by a group of students or professionals who share all the facilities, or it can be a property which is occupied by people living in bedsits and/or some self-contained flats. It can also include some guest houses, hostels and hotels. The type of individuals or number of tenancies in the property has no bearing on whether it is a HMO under the Housing Act.