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What is a mandatory HMO licence?
By the VoxaMTD team. Last verified 31 October 2026
A mandatory HMO licence is a council licence required in England for a large house in multiple occupation. GOV.UK says that means at least 5 tenants forming more than one household who share a toilet, bathroom or kitchen. The licensing guidance says the property must be occupied by 5 or more persons from 2 or more separate households.
Since 1 October 2018, mandatory licensing is no longer limited to HMOs of 3 or more storeys. A household is either a single person or members of the same family who live together, so unrelated sharers count as separate households. The council enforces HMO standards.
Smaller HMOs can still need a licence. The guidance says councils can designate a specific area as subject to additional HMO licensing for HMOs that fall outside mandatory licensing, such as section 257 HMOs. Check your council's website for local schemes before you let to three or four sharers. GOV.UK also says tenants may be able to reclaim some of their rent if the landlord has been renting out an unlicensed large HMO, which is another reason to check.
Read next
- What is Mandatory HMO licensing? →
- Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026 (UK) →
- Landlord compliance checker →
- Landlord compliance →
Sources
- GOV.UK: Private renting: Houses in multiple occupation
- GOV.UK: Houses in multiple occupation and residential property licensing reform: guidance for local housing authorities