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Houses of multiple occupation

Do I need an HMO licence?

All properties that are occupied by five or more people require a mandatory House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence.

If you let a property which is one of the following types, you must obtain an HMO  licence:

  • An entire house, bungalow, flat or any kind of accommodation which is let to more than four unrelated occupiers, who form two or more households and who share a basic amenity
  • A house which has been converted entirely into bedsits or other non-self-contained accommodation and which is let to more than four unrelated occupiers who form two or more households and who share kitchen, bathroom or toilet facilities
  • A converted house which contains one or more flats which are not wholly self-contained (for example the flat does not contain within it a kitchen, bathroom and toilet) and which is occupied by more than four unrelated occupiers who form two or more households
  • A building which contains more than four unrelated occupiers which is converted entirely into self-contained flats, if the conversion did not meet the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and more than one-third of the flats are let on short-term tenancies. (Housing Act 2004 s257 HMO)

In order to be a HMO the property must be used as the tenants' only or main residence and it should be used solely or mainly to house tenants.

Properties let to students and migrant workers will be treated as their only or main residence and the same will apply to properties which are used as domestic refuges.

Please note: one individual person can form a household.

How do I apply for a HMO license?

Anyone who owns or manages a HMO that needs to be licensed has to apply to the council for a license. Please ring 01253 891000 or email housing@wyre.gov.uk

What if I make changes to my licensed HMO property?

If your property has a mandatory HMO license and something changes you need to let us know.

The change may be in relation to the number of occupants, the number of rooms that your HMO Licence is no longer required for the property, you have/are selling the property, the property is vacant, or you have changed the management of the property.

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