Report an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

Properties that are occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households, regardless of the number of floors in the property, need a Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence from us.

Landlords who operate a property like this without a licence may be subject to fines and legal action.

Investigations into unlicensed properties

We regularly carry out investigations to identify houses that require licences, where landlords have not applied for a licence they will be at risk of:

• criminal prosecutions with unlimited fines
• a civil penalty of up to £30,000
• losing rent through possible rent repayment orders. The Council have to consider these in every case
• problems getting possession of properties due to the non-availability of Section 21, Housing Act 1988

Where a landlord or agent has a previous history of non-compliance with licensing legislation we may go direct to legal proceedings for failure to apply.

Report an unlicensed property

You can tell us if you believe a property that requires an HMO licence is being rented without one.