HMO Licensing - Do I need one?

Why should you be licensed and what is required?

Make sure you comply with the New HMO Rules and don't get any of these HMO Penalties.

Local councils have introduced 3 forms of licensing for rented properties:

• Mandatory Licensing
• Additional Licensing
• Selective Licensing

Mandatory licensing is how it reads, you will have no choice but to get a licence if you own a HMO with 5 or more tenants with 3 or more storeys.

Additional Licensing and Selective Licensing are NOT how it reads! These are mandatory too. This can (and I reckon will) include any type of rented property. So if you own a flat which you rent out to a friend or you let rooms out in your own house you may need a licence.

Failure to get a licence is a criminal offence, a fine of up to £20,000, clawback of any rent received during the period without a licence and the refusal by the council for you to ever let the property out again...