Understanding whether a house has a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence is essential for tenants and landlords alike in the UK. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process on how to verify an HMO licence, explains what an HMO is, and why it’s important to know if a property holds this type of licence. If you’re renting or letting out a property, here’s how you can check its HMO status.

What is an HMO Licence?

In the UK, a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from the same household but share facilities like the bathroom or kitchen. An HMO licence is mandatory for properties that meet specific criteria, primarily if the property:

• Has three or more tenants forming more than one household.
• Tenants share essential facilities.
• Has at least five tenants living there (making it a “large HMO”).

Licences are issued by local councils to ensure that properties are safe, secure, and managed to a high standard.

Why Check for an HMO Licence?

Checking for an HMO licence is crucial for several reasons:

Property Management: Knowing the licence status can help clarify property management standards.

Tenant Safety: Licensed HMOs must meet specific health and safety requirements.

Legal Compliance: Renting or letting an unlicensed HMO is illegal and can lead to fines.

Steps to Check if a House Has an HMO Licence

1. Contact the Local Council

The simplest and most reliable way to verify an HMO licence is by contacting the local council where the property is located. Local authorities maintain an HMO register, which lists all licensed HMOs in the area.

• Find the Council’s Contact Details: Use the UK Government’s “Find your local council” tool to get contact information for your local authority.
• Ask for the HMO Register: Councils are legally required to keep an updated HMO register, and you can request a copy to check a specific property’s status.
• Confirm Property Address: Have the property’s full address ready when contacting the council to ensure a smooth verification process.

2. Check Online HMO Registers (If Available)

Some councils in the UK now offer online HMO registers for easy access. This tool allows you to search directly through the council’s website by entering the property address.

• Look for an Online Database: Check your council’s website or search “HMO register [council name]” to see if an online register is available.
• Use the Search Function: Enter the property details to confirm if it holds an HMO licence.

3. Check with the Property Owner or Letting Agent

If you’re a tenant, the landlord or letting agent should know whether the property is an HMO and if it has the necessary licence.

• Request the Licence Number: Legitimate HMO landlords usually provide the licence number or proof upon request.
• Cross-Verify: Even if the landlord confirms, it’s often wise to cross-check with the council for accuracy.

4. Look for Clues That Indicate HMO Licensing Requirements

While these clues aren’t foolproof, some characteristics may hint that a property requires an HMO licence, including:

• The Number of Tenants: Five or more unrelated tenants typically indicates a large HMO.
• Shared Facilities: Kitchens and bathrooms shared between households.
• Fire Safety Measures: Licensed HMOs often have fire doors, alarms, and emergency exits.

Additional Points for Landlords

If you’re a landlord, ensuring your property is properly licensed can prevent hefty fines, legal issues, and reputational damage. Applying for an HMO licence involves:

• Contacting Your Local Council: They will assess the property’s suitability as an HMO.
• Meeting Safety Standards: Fire safety, electrical installations, and space requirements must be met.
• Regular Inspections: Licensed HMOs are subject to periodic inspections by the council.

HMO Landlord’s Certificates:

In Closing

Verifying the HMO status of a property is essential to ensure safety and compliance. By contacting your local council, checking online databases, and consulting the landlord, you can easily confirm if a house holds a valid HMO licence.

With the UK’s strict regulations on shared housing, taking a few extra steps to confirm the licensing status helps protect tenants’ rights and landlords’ responsibilities.

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