Since 1st October 2018 all Landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (“HMO”) are required to obtain licences for their properties.

An HMO licence will be required where a property is let out to at least 5 people from more than one household and who share communal facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom.

Under the previous regime, Landlords were only required to obtain an HMO licence if their property contained at least three storeys. This rule has now been abolished.

Landlords should be aware that failure to obtain the necessary licence can result in an unlimited fine.