House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence — landlord obligations in England
If your property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) housing 5 or more people from 2 or more households, you must hold a valid mandatory HMO licence before operating. Licences last up to 5 years and must be renewed on expiry. You must not exceed the licence occupancy limit and must comply with all licence conditions. Additional or selective licensing schemes may also apply.
The law that creates this obligation
Your obligations as a landlord
- Who this applies to: Any person having control of or managing an HMO meeting the mandatory licensing threshold (5+ persons, 2+ households), or within additional/selective licensing areas.
- When it applies: Before operating the HMO; renew on expiry (every 5 years maximum).
- What you must do: Obtain and hold a valid current HMO licence from the local housing authority. Comply with all licence conditions and occupancy limits.
What good evidence looks like
Your compliance file should contain
- Written record or document confirming this obligation has been met
- Date of compliance — email timestamp, signed receipt, or platform log
- Reminder 3 months before licence expiry date; set expiry date alert for renewal.
Upload a copy of the current valid HMO licence.
Record this obligation in your LettingsLedger workspace
Upload evidence, set reminders, and build a timestamped compliance record — all in one place.
Consequences of non-compliance
Criminal offence with unlimited fine. Rent repayment orders for up to 12 months' rent. Local authority can impose management orders.
Further reading for landlords
LettingsLedger is a compliance evidence governance platform. It is not a legal services provider and does not provide legal advice. Content is derived from UK primary legislation at legislation.gov.uk and official GOV.UK sources. Reflects the position as at June 2026. A GovProtocol product by Pertheo Limited.