Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

Westminster Council operartes an additional HMO licencing scheme requiring smaller flat and house shares occupied by 3 or more unrelated people to be licenced. If you believe a property does not hold the appropriate licence you can report an unlicensed HMO online.

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) or Flat in Multiple Occupation (FMO) is a property which is occupied by a least 3 people who are not from one household.

HMOs include buildings where facilities are shared, but can also include buildings divided into self-contained flats. Examples can include flat and house shares, bedsits, certain hostels and staff accommodation.

A HMO with 3 or more people sharing will normally require a licence issued by us. Landlords who fail to apply for a licence can be prosecuted or issued with a fixed penalty up to £30,000. A landlord is not allowed to evict tenants unless a licence or exemption is in place. Tenants may also be able to claim back up to 12 months rent through a rent repayment order if they are living in an unlicensed HMO.

You can check whether a property requires a licence using the Mayor of London's licence checker

HMOs offer valuable accommodation in Westminster, but sometimes present a higher risk, particularly with regards to fire safety.

It is important therefore that enhanced measures are in place to address this risk. It is also important that there are enough amenities such as bathrooms, toilets and kitchen facilities.

Regulations place a continuous obligation on landlords to effectively maintain and manage HMOs (both licensable and non licensable).

If you are concerned that the property you are renting does not hold a licence you can report an unlicensed HMO, or if there is disrepair or management problems in a licenced property please make a privately rented housing enquiry online.