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Living in Shared Accommodation

If you live in a property in which three or more people live, at least one of whom is dissimilar to the others and where you share facilities your council will call this type of lodging a 'House in Multiple Occupation' or HMO.

Do I live in an HMO?

If you live in a property with two or more people who are not related to you or a partner and at least one of you pays rent, share kitchen, bathroom facilities you probably live in an HMO.

The following types of accommodation are often described as an HMO:

• some shared houses or flats
• a house converted into bed sits
• some hostels & guesthouses
• some bed and breakfast establishments and hotels
• some types of houses converted into flats

Certain types of shared accommodation are not measured HMOs. Examples include:

• a home or flat occupied by only two persons
• a home or flat with a resident landowner plus two other occupiers
• houses converted completely into self contained flats with appropriate Building Regulations approval, where at least two thirds are owner occupied
• a house or flat managed by the council or a registered social landowner
• a home or flat registered under the Care Standards Act 2000
• accommodation managed by convinced higher educational establishments
• health, police or fire authority accommodation

What are the standards?

Your landowner is responsible for making sure your home is kept in repair and is suitable for numerous tenants. If your home has to be licensed the local housing authority can impose conditions to make sure that the property is occupied by no more than the permitted number of persons. Your council will also check the facilities and ensure that the property is properly managed.

Whether or not the HMO in which you live is licensed by the council, your landowner must comply with management regulations. Your home should be also free of any exposures likely to seriously impact upon your health and safety. If you think there is a hazard in your home you should contact the council.