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Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

Guidance, information and documents to apply for a HMO licence.

Apply for and manage HMO licences

Please have the following available before you start a new licence application:

  • room sizes and property facilities, including bedroom sizes, information on bathrooms and kitchens including the location of all rooms within the property
  • details about the property structure and safety equipment
  • name and addresses of persons or organisations with an interest in the property, such as freeholders, leaseholders, managing agents, mortgage provider
  • payment card details
  • licence holder date of birth (the date of birth of the appointed licence holder)

Mandatory HMO licence

A Mandatory HMO licence is required when five or more people forming two or more households share facilities. If the property is a flat in a purpose block, an additional licence should be selected instead.

Apply for, renew or manage a mandatory HMO licence

Additional HMO licence 

Westminster's additional licencing scheme came into force on 30 August 2021.

Shared houses and flats 

Properties that have three or more people sharing from two or more households will require a licence (Section 254 HMO). This includes flats in purpose built blocks.

Apply for an Additional HMO licence

Please read more information about how personal data is processed by us.

Published: 19 May 2021

Last updated: 4 March 2024