HMO licensing

Introduction

You need a licence to own or manage a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Hounslow.

This is not the same as a getting planning permission for an HMO, which you may also need.

You need a licence if the HMO either:

  • is occupied by three or more persons in two or more households sharing amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, but excluding purpose-built flats situated in a block comprising three or more self-contained flats
  • consists of converted flats, but only where:
    • the property was converted without the appropriate buliding regulations approval
    • all the units are privately rented
    • the building and all the flats in the building are either in the same ownership or considered by us to be effectively in the same control

You can read more information about the criteria in our full HMO licensing policy.

What we'll consider

When we receive an application, we will consider: 

  • if a person is fit and proper
  • if adequate management arrangements are in place
  • the planning status and wider neighbourhood issues

Our HMO licensing policy sets out the criteria we will consider when making a licensing decision.

A licence lasts:

Five years.

However, we may issue a shorter licence if either:

  • there are concerns about the management or physical condition of the premises
  • we have found deliberate avoidance of licensing

In such cases, we will normally issue a one-year licence. 

We will contact you with notice when it's time to renew your licence.

Licence conditions

When we issue a licence, we will specify the maximum number of people who can occupy the HMO. 

We will attach the licence conditions and the HMO standards that you need to adhere to.

If you're unlicensed or in breach of licence

It is a criminal offence to operate an HMO without a licence if a licence is required.

It is also an offence if you fail to meet the conditions of your licence.

Licensing breaches may result in:

  • prosecution, which may lead to unlimited fines
  • financial penalty notices, up to a maximum fine of £30,000
  • being added to the rogue landlord database
  • rent repayment orders
  • interim management orders 
  • being unable to issue a section 21 "notice requiring possession" during the period the property is unlicensed

Any decision to prosecute or issue a civil penalty will be taken in accordance with our enforcement policy.

A member of the public can report an HMO if they believe it's unlicensed or in breach of its licence conditions.

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