Apply for house of multiple occupation (HMO) licence

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by 3 or more people (including children) who form more than 1 family and share either a kitchen or a bathroom. A family includes co-habiting partners.

• Essex HMO amenity standards (pdf 283KB)
• LACORS – Housing Fire Safety (pdf 3MB)
• The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006

If the HMO has 5 or more occupants, living as 2 or more households, sharing facilities, it must be licensed.

A property with more than 6 occupants must have Planning permission to operate as a large HMO.

Apply online

HMO management handbook

For more information please contact our private sector housing team:

• Telephone 01992 564348
• Email privatesectorhousing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

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Further information on HMOs can be found on the following sites:

• GOV.UK – House in multiple occupation licence
• Communities and Local Government website