There are three main licensing schemes for rented homes in England. A mandatory HMO licence is a national rule. Additional HMO licensing and selective licensing are set locally by each council, so they depend on the exact postcode.
This free checker tests a property against the mandatory HMO rule (5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom) and shows how to check the local schemes. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are covered too, where the rules differ.
| Mandatory HMO licence | 5 or more people, 2 or more households, sharing facilities |
|---|---|
| Additional HMO licence | Smaller HMOs, only where the council has a scheme |
| Selective licence | Ordinary single-household lets, only in designated areas |
| Where to check | The council’s website for the property’s postcode |
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In England a mandatory HMO licence is needed when 5 or more people forming 2 or more households live in the property and share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. A council can also require a licence for smaller HMOs through an additional licensing scheme.
A local scheme where the council requires a licence for ordinary rented homes, not just HMOs, in certain areas. Whether it applies depends on the exact address, so the council’s website is the place to check.
A household is a single person, or members of the same family living together, including couples. Five unrelated sharers are five households.
No. In Scotland and Northern Ireland a HMO licence is usually needed from 3 unrelated people, and Wales requires landlord registration with Rent Smart Wales, and councils run HMO licensing. The checker covers each nation.
Education, not advice. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check GOV.UK and speak to a qualified adviser before you act.