If you are living in a shared home it needs to have a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence if:
- It is rented out to five or more people.
- The people living in the home form two or more separate households or families.
- You share facilities such as the bathroom, kitchen or toilet.
We have a register of HMOs that are licenced - check if yours is listed.
If you think you might be living in an HMO that does not have a licence, please call or email our private sector housing team on 01543 308714 or pollution@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Why licensing matters
Licensing helps ensure HMOs are safe and well-managed.
We have adopted minimum standards that HMO landlords must meet, covering things like:
- Fire safety.
- Kitchen and bathroom facilities.
- Space and occupancy levels.
You can read our HMO amenity standards guidance to find out more.
Report an issue with a licenced HMO
If you are concerned about the condition of a licenced HMO property, please contact the private sector housing team on 01543 308714 or email pollution@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Report an unlicensed HMO
If you suspect that your home (or any other property) is being rented as an HMO without a licence, please let us know.
Landlords must apply first and wait for approval before renting out a property as an HMO - so if your landlord tells you they are 'waiting for their licence' and the property is operating as an HMO, please also report it to us.
To report an unlicenced HMO, please call or email our private sector housing team on 01543 308714 or pollution@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Penalties
It is an offence not to licence an HMO where a licence is needed.
The penalty for not licensing an HMO can be an unlimited fine, and the previous year’s rent can be re-claimed by any tenant (or the council where housing benefit is paid). This is called a rent repayment order.
Alternatively, landlords could receive a civil/financial penalty of up to £30,000 per offence.