What is a HMO?

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property that is occupied by a number of individuals who share facilities, or do not have exclusive occupation of the whole property.

HMO can generally be considered to comprise accommodation where two or more individuals share basic amenities. For example, HMO can commonly be occupied by a group of individuals (e.g. students, professionals etc) sharing a house or flat, individuals living in bedsit accommodation, and some properties converted into several flats.

Bed and breakfast and hostel accommodation occupied by individuals as their permanent address are also considered to be HMO.


A house in multiple occupation is defined by the Housing Act 2004. There are four tests that define what a HMO is:

1. The standard test: Any building which consists of one or more units of accommodation which are not self-contained and where two or more households share one or more basic amenities, or where the accommodation is lacking basic amenities.
   
   
2. The self-contained flat test: Any part of a building which is a self-contained flat, which consists of one or more units of accommodation, in which two or more households share one or more basic amenities or where the accommodation is lacking basic amenities.
   
   
3. The converted building test: Any building, which has been converted and contains one or more units of accommodation, which are not self-contained (whether or not the building also consists of some self-contained units).
   
   
4. Certain converted blocks of flats: Any building which has been converted into and consists of self-contained flats only, and it does not comply with appropriate building standards (e.g. the 1991 Building Regulations) and less than two thirds of the flats are owner occupied, (more than one third on short tenancies).

There are over 6,500 HMOs in Newham which provide valuable housing to many people who would otherwise be homeless. However, the sector is perceived to be associated with anti-social behaviour and poor living conditions.

The council aims to inspect HMO on a 'worst first' basis, and assesses whether there are any health and safety hazards present using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Where poor or unsafe accommodation is found, the council has a range of powers it can use to require the landlord to carry out remedial works.