If you live in a shared house or flat where tenants from different households share a kitchen or bathroom, your home is probably an HMO. It's important to know this because HMOs must meet higher standards than standard rental properties, and your landlord may need a licence to operate the property legally.
A mandatory HMO licence is required for any property that's at least three storeys high and is occupied by five or more people forming two or more households. Many local councils also run additional licensing schemes that cover smaller HMOs. Operating an unlicensed HMO is a criminal offence, and tenants in unlicensed HMOs can apply for a rent repayment order to reclaim up to 12 months' rent.
HMOs must meet specific standards for fire safety (including fire doors, smoke alarms, and escape routes), minimum room sizes (a single bedroom must be at least 6.51 square metres), kitchen and bathroom facilities, and general management and maintenance. Your landlord is responsible for keeping communal areas clean, in good repair, and free from hazards.
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