What is a ‘house in multiple occupation’ (HMO)?
An HMO is a building, or part of a building such as a flat, where one of the following applies:
- it is occupied by 3 or more people from more than one household and shares – or lacks – an amenity, such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facilities
- it is occupied by more than one household and is a converted building – but not entirely self-contained flats (whether or not some amenities are shared or lacking)
- it has been converted into self-contained flats, and does not meet the requirements of the 1991 Building Regulations, and at least one third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies.
It can only be classed as an HMO if it is occupied by people as their only or main residence. This includes occupation:
- as a refuge for people escaping domestic violence
- by students during term time
- for other purposes prescribed by the government.
What is a household?
A household is either a single person or members of the same family who live together. A family includes people who are:
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married or or living together as husband and wife (or in an equivalent relationship in the case of persons of the same sex)
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relatives or half-relatives, including parents, step-parents, grandparents, children, step-children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces or cousins
A foster child living with their foster parent is treated as living in the same household as their foster parent.
Any domestic staff are also included in the household if they are living rent-free in accommodation provided by the person for whom they are working.