What are the rules for a HMO?
Your home is probably an HMO if:
- 3 or more unrelated people live there as at least 2 separate households – for example, 3 single people with their own rooms, or 2 couples each sharing a room.
- the 3 or more people living there share basic amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom.
What counts as a household for HMO?
Your home is a house in multiple occupation ( HMO ) if both of the following apply: at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than 1 household. you share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants.
Do I need HMO licence Leeds?
You will need to apply for a licence if: you rent a property to 5 or more people. your tenants do not all belong to the same family or household. your tenants share a toilet, bathroom, living room or kitchen.
Who is exempt from HMO licensing?
Properties exempt from HMO licensing a property occupied by two people living as two households (two-person flat shares) buildings managed or controlled by public sector bodies (such as the police or the NHS), the London Hostels Association or a registered social landlord.
Do you need planning permission to turn a house into a HMO?
The quick answer is: no, often you don’t need planning permission to convert a property to an HMO.
Who is classed as a household?
A “household” is: (current definition, from 2011): one person living alone, or a group of people (not necessarily related) living at the same address who share cooking facilities and share a living room, sitting room or dining area.
Do small HMOs need a licence?
If you’re letting an HMO, it’s highly likely you’ll need some sort of licence. HMO licences are valid for five years at a time and you’ll require a separate licence for each HMO you’re running.
How long does it take to get a HMO license?
All licences are subject to an inspection by the council’s Housing Enforcement team. We aim to make a licensing decision within three months of receiving a completed application form and all required documentation.
Do you need an HMO licence for 3 tenants?
Since the rule changes made in October 1 2018, all HMOs must have a licence. You must apply for a licence if 3 or more unrelated people occupy at least two different households. The maximum length for any licence is 5 years and if you wish to apply for a new one it must be renewed before the existing licence expires.
Is it illegal to run a HMO in Leeds?
It is a criminal offence for landlords and agents to operate a licensable HMO without holding a licence or to breach their licence conditions. HMO licences last for up to five years and Leeds City Council is currently renewing licences for the 2,800 licensable HMOs across Leeds.
What do you need to know about a licensed house in Leeds?
Routine inspections should be made to outline any maintenance issues. The licence holder or manager must however comply with any relevant housing legislation in gaining access to the property. For more information on these regulations, call the HMO Team on 0113 378 4698.
Can a council refuse to grant a HMO licence?
If you are unsure about the requirements you should seek professional and or legal advice. The Housing Act 2004 allows Leeds City Council to refuse to grant a HMO Licence if it considers a property not to be reasonably suitable – even if it does meet the prescribed standards for occupation by the number of persons.
What are the conditions of a HMO licence?
Your HMO licence will contain a number of conditions, including: You should read the conditions supplied with your licence to make sure that you comply with them within the timescales. If you do not comply with your licence conditions, you will be breaking the law.
