What is a HMO?

What is an HMO? HMO Meaning & Rules in the UK

An HMO, or House in Multiple Occupation, is a property where three or more tenants from separate households live together & share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. “Households” can mean single occupants or members of the same family. For example, three unrelated professionals renting individually count as three households, while two couples sharing a property count as two.

HMOs often appear as shared rental homes, student properties, or houses split into individual rooms. To qualify as an HMO:

• The tenants must not form a single household or family unit.
• They must pay rent.
• The property must serve as their main home.

There are also “large HMOs” which host five or more tenants from different households. Large HMOs are subject to more stringent licensing & safety requirements under UK law, so understanding what is a HMO UK property & its specific rules is vital if you're considering investing.

Regulations with HMOs: What Landlords Need to Know

Investing in or letting out an HMO property in Maidstone brings added legal responsibilities. Our Mortgage & More team are here to make sure you receive impartial, reliable advice so you comply with house in multiple occupation regulations UK-wide. Here's an overview of what landlords must do:

Key Legal Obligations

• Maintain & repair all communal areas, facilities & equipment.
• Install mains-powered smoke alarms & heat detectors in every kitchen.
• Carry out annual gas safety checks.
• Check electrical installations at least every five years.
• Provide enough cooking & washing facilities for all tenants.
• Prevent overcrowding & ensure safe, accessible escape routes remain clear.
• Carry out a fire risk assessment (your local council can help).
• Supply adequate waste storage & bins.

Licensing

Since 2018, all large HMOs (with 5+ tenants from different households) need to be licensed. Some local authorities, such as those in Maidstone, may also require smaller HMOs to have a licence or for all private landlords to register their properties. Licensing specifies the maximum number of occupants, mandatory room sizes, & exact safety standards.

How to Get a HMO Licence UK

• Apply through your local council (either directly, or via your letting agent).
• Notify the property's freeholder, existing long-term tenants, & your buy-to-let lender.
• Pay the non-refundable licensing fee (this varies depending on each council).
• Always check council requirements, as rules & fees may differ.
• Failure to comply may result in severe penalties & legal action.

We recommend consulting an experienced, qualified mortgage broker in Kent, like Mortgage & More, to help you navigate these complexities, especially if you're considering an HMO property investment in Maidstone. We also offer a comprehensive guide on decoding jargon & can provide ongoing advice as regulations evolve.