Licensing Guide for Landlords

The 2004 Housing Act, which received Royal Assent in November 2004, comes into force in April 2006.

The Act proposes the introduction of licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It will be compulsory to license larger, higher-risk HMOs.

Councils will also be able to license other types of HMO to tackle problems in these smaller properties.

• What is a HMO?

• Do all HMOs have to be licensed?

• How will it work?

• What is in a licence?

• How do I know if my property needs to be licensed?

• What counts as a property of 3 or more storeys in height?

• How can I apply?

• Find out more