Help and advice for landlords

Larger houses of multiple occupation, such as bedsits and shared houses, may have poorer physical and management standards than other privately rented properties.

As HMOs are the only housing option for many people, the government recognises that it's vital that they are properly regulated.

Licensing is intended to ensure that:

  • landlords of HMOs are "fit and proper people", or employ managers who are
  • each HMO is suitable for occupation by the number of people allowed under the licence
  • the standard of management of the HMO is adequate
  • high-risk HMOs can be identified and targeted for improvement

Where landlords refuse to meet these criteria, we can intervene and manage the property so that vulnerable tenants can be protected and the HMOs are not overcrowded.

By law, licensing of HMOs affects properties that:

  • are three or more storeys high, and
  • have five or more people in more than one household and
  • share amenities such as bathrooms, toilets and cooking facilities

What is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

We can provide more information for landlords and managing agents on licensing and property standards. You might find the following links helpful:

Landlords newsletter

Empty homes

LACORS housing fire safety guidance

Updates on Universal Credit

Information for landlords and lettings agents on waste from rental properties

Please visit the government's website for information on the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants