Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property that is let to at least 3 unrelated tenants who form more than 1 household and who share a kitchen, bathroom, toilet or another room.

All houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) occupied by 5 or more people who are not living together as a single household, but share facilities, need to be licensed.

Apply for an HMO licence

To apply for a 5-year HMO licence, complete the application form below. 

You will also need to:

• provide the supporting documentation
• pay the £600 application fee

Online HMO licence application form 

Alternatively, download and complete the PDF application form:

A £50 discount is available for members of a recognised landlord association (eg the Residential Landlords Association or the National Landlords Association) or a recognised landlord accreditation scheme.

What happens next

We will inspect the property and decide if it meets an acceptable standard. If it does, the property will be licensed.

Unlicensed HMOs

Operating a licensable HMO without a licence or failing to comply with the conditions of an HMO licence is an offence; you could be prosecuted, handed a Civil Penalty of up to £30,000, a Rent Repayment Order or given an unlimited fine.

HMO register

You can view details of licensed HMOs in Elmbridge on our register:

Checking HMO standards

We carry out routine inspections of all known HMOs in the borough.

If the management and conditions of the HMO are not up to the required standards, the landlord will be required to improve them.

For more information see:

Support for landlords

We offer free advice to landlords, including a site visit, to help you make sure that the building is safe, in good repair and has adequate means of detecting and escaping from fire.

Contact us on 01372 474 624 or email pshousing@elmbridge.gov.uk for more information.