Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

If you rent out a property to multiple people who are not from the same household, you may need a licence from us.

Hartlepool HMO Register

What is an HMO?

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented by five or more people from more than one household, who share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.

Examples include:

• bedsits
• shared student housing
• hostels and lodgings
• some guest houses and hotels
• boarding houses
• converted flats
• registered care homes

What counts as a household?

People are considered part of the same household if they are:

• related (a parent, child, sibling or cousin, for eaxmple)
• living together as a couple
• step-relatives or half-relatives

Do I need a licence?

You must apply for an HMO licence if:

• your property is occupied by five or more people
• they form more than one household
• they share at least one bathroom, kitchen and/or toilet or lack one of these amenities

Temporary exemption

You can apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice if you plan to:

• stop renting the property
• reduce the number of occupants to below five

This exemption lasts up to 3 months, with a possible secondary extension. After that, a full HMO licence is required.

How to apply

Apply online or by using our application form. Your application must include:

• all required documents
• the correct licence fee

We will not process incomplete applications

Download our application form

Download guidance notes and fees

Licence approval criteria

We will grant a licence if:

1. The property is suitable for multiple occupation.
2. The applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence.
3. The proposed manager is competent and fit to manage the HMO.
4. The management arrangements are satisfactory.

We aim to process applications within 8 weeks of receiving a complete submission.

Fit and proper person checks

We will check for:

• criminal convictions (violence, drugs or fraud, for example)
• breaches of housing or safety laws
• unlawful discrimination
• past housing management issues

Risk assessment

We will carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) inspection within 5 years of licensing. If hazards are found, we may take enforcement action.

HMO management regulations

All HMOs must comply with the Houses in Multiple Occupation (Management) Regulations 2006.

Building and planning control

You are responsible for ensuring your property has the correct planning and building approvals. We will notify our Planning and Building Control Teams when you apply.

You may wish to submit an enquiry through our Planning Advisory Service sometimes known as one stop shop.

Complaints and advice

If you're unhappy with how your HMO licence application has been handled, please contact us first. We’ll do our best to resolve your concerns quickly and informally.

If you wish to make a formal complaint, you can do so through our complaints, comments and compliments process.

Appeals

If your licence application is refused, you can:

• make representations to us in the first instance
• appeal to the First-tier Tribunal - Property Chamber (Residential Property) within 28 days of the decision

You can also appeal to the tribunal if:

• you disagree with conditions attached to your licence
• your licence is varied or revoked

Tribunal contact details

First-tier Tribunal – Property Chamber (Residential Property)
Northern Region
1st Floor, Piccadilly Exchange
Piccadilly Plaza
Manchester
M1 4AH

Need help?

We’re here to help you with your application. Contact us using the information below.