Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

HMOs are rental properties occupied by 3 or more people not part of the same household.

HMOs and households

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a rental property occupied by 3 people or more who are not all part of the same household (family). They share the property including toilets, bathrooms and/or cooking facilities.

HMOs can be formed of:

  • an entire house or flat
  • a house converted into bedsits (or other non self-contained accommodation)
  • a house converted into one or more flats

A HMO can also be a building converted into self-contained flats where:

Households

A ‘household’ is defined as members of the same family sharing domestic accommodation. This includes:

  • married couples or non-married couples living together
  • relatives living together
  • half-relatives living with their relatives
  • foster children living with their foster parent(s)

Domestic staff are also included as part of a household if they are living rent-free in accommodation provided by the person for whom they are working.

Contact us if you want advice about HMO licences and the legislation.

Email: housing.standards@woking.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01483 743882