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F A C T S H E E T

HMO Licensing

Frequently Asked Questions

This information sheet should be read in conjunction with sheets 5A (Definition of an HMO and mandatory and additional licensing) and sheet 5C which explains the licensing procedure. This information sheet is intended to address questions which are commonly raised about how licensing is intended to operate and which are not dealt with under the other two fact sheets.

If my property is capable of holding 5 or more people but currently holds less than that will I have to apply for a licence?

The property will only have to be licensed at the point where it is actually housing 5 or more unrelated tenants. If it is housing fewer than that (or if it is vacant) it will not have to be licensed.