The address matters.

Start with the household setup

An HMO generally involves at least three people from more than one household sharing facilities. Mandatory licensing applies to larger HMOs with five or more people from two or more households, sharing facilities, where at least one pays rent.

Smaller does not mean exempt

Councils can require licensing for smaller HMOs, and selective licensing may cover other rented homes. Check the current scheme, boundaries, exemptions and conditions for the exact address with the council.

Check more than the licence

Licensing, planning permission, building standards and lease or lender permissions are separate questions. A licence does not settle all of them. Confirm permitted occupancy and the evidence the council requires before advertising.

Your practical checklist

• Record the address, number of occupiers and household relationships.
• Identify which facilities will be shared.
• Find the council and check mandatory, additional and selective schemes.
• Ask about exclusions, application documents and current fees.
• Check permitted occupancy and licence conditions.
• Check planning and other permissions separately.
• Keep the council response and diary any renewal dates.