HMO Services
Houses in Multiple Occupation can be rewarding but carry real regulatory weight. We help landlords and investors source, license and manage HMOs with confidence.
The Basics
A House in Multiple Occupation is a property rented out to at least three people who are not from one household — for example a group of friends or individual tenants — who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom.
HMOs play an important role in UK housing, and they are more heavily regulated than standard rentals. Licensing, planning rules and management standards all apply — which is precisely where clear, independent guidance earns its keep.
Those considering an HMO purchase, converting a property into one, or wanting existing shared properties run compliantly.
People living in shared housing who want to understand their rights and what a properly managed HMO should look like.
Owners of sizeable period properties exploring whether multi-let is a suitable route for their building.
Licensing
Two layers of licensing can apply to an HMO in England. Getting this wrong can mean significant penalties, so it pays to check early.
Across England, a licence is required for any HMO occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, regardless of the number of storeys. Licences are issued by the local council and come with conditions covering safety, facilities and management standards.
Many councils go further and require smaller HMOs — sometimes any shared house in the area — to be licensed too. The rules differ from one local authority to the next, so the first step is always to check the requirements where the property sits.
Quick Check
Three quick questions to see whether your property is likely to need an HMO licence. This is guidance only — the final answer always sits with your local council.
Answer the three questions and your preliminary HMO licensing position will appear here — along with the next practical steps.
Rentable Yield Snapshot
A back‑of‑envelope indicator for an HMO opportunity. Flip to Net to factor in mortgage, management, bills and maintenance. Not a valuation; always run full numbers with a professional before you commit.
A gross yield uses rental income before mortgage, management, bills, licensing and maintenance costs. Flip to Net to see the picture with running costs factored in.
Your Snapshot — Gross
Enter a purchase price and an average weekly rent per room — a yield and monthly income estimate will appear here instantly.
The Local Picture Matters
HMO rules change from one council to the next. Always check the local position before you buy or convert.
Planning Permission
Licensing and planning are separate regimes — an HMO can need one, both, or neither.
A small HMO (three to six sharers) usually falls within use class C4. Moving between a standard dwelling and C4 is often permitted development — but not everywhere.
Many councils with high concentrations of shared housing have removed these automatic rights, meaning planning permission is needed to create an HMO. We help you check before you commit.
Properties with seven or more occupants generally fall outside C4 and require planning permission in their own right, alongside licensing.
How We Help
Practical, independent support at every stage of the HMO journey.
01
We identify properties suited to compliant multi-let use — the right size, layout and location — matched to your goals and the local licensing landscape.
02
Clear, practical guidance on licensing applications, safety standards and management duties, with solicitors and specialists introduced where formal advice is needed.
03
Ongoing support for HMO landlords: from refurbishment coordination through our development company to tenant finding with trusted estate agents.
For Investors
A single HMO generates several rental incomes from one property, which is why many investors find the model attractive — alongside steady demand for good-quality shared homes. Higher income potential comes with heavier regulation and more involved management. As always, we never promise returns: we offer a careful process, honest advice and the right professionals beside you.
Discuss an HMO EnquiryWhether you're buying your first HMO or regularising an existing one, start with a conversation — we'll map out the licensing, planning and management steps with you.