What is a house in multiple occupation (HMO)?

The legal definition of a HMO is quite complex, but as a guide it is a building, or part of a building, such as a flat, which is either:

• occupied by more than one household and where more than one household shares (or lacks) an amenity, such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities or
• converted self-contained flats, but does not meet as a minimum standard the requirements of the 1991 Building Regulation, and at least one third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies

A ‘household’ can be:

• families (including single people, couples and same sex couples)
• other relationships, such as foster families, carers and domestic staff living with the householder

HMO – advice for landlords
HMO – advice for tenants