Some of the terms used when discussing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and what they mean.
Number of persons
If one or two people live together (whether related or not) this is NOT an HMO. The threshold for creating an HMO is three or more people. Children are counted as equal to adults when determining whether a property is an HMO.
Single household
A household may be:
(i) a single person; or
(ii) several members of the same family
The same family means:
- A married couple or equivalent co-habiting arrangement‘
- A relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew or cousin)
- Relationship of half-blood is treated as whole blood
- Stepchildren and foster children are treated as own children,
Examples:
- You rent a flat with your friend – this is TWO people in TWO households = NOT HMO
- You rent a house with your partner and your partner’s brother – this is THREE people in ONE household = NOT HMO
- You rent a house with your partner and a friend – this is THREE people in TWO households = HMO
Self-contained flats
A self-contained flat is one which has a kitchen, bathroom and toilet inside it for the exclusive use of the household living in the flat.
If the occupiers need to leave the flat to access any of these amenities then it is not self-contained.
Resident (live in) Landlords
A resident Landlord (owner) and family may share a house with one or two unrelated lodgers without the need for an HMO Licence. A third lodger means the house is an HMO and it must be licensed.
Domestic employees
If you have someone living with you (and your family) who does domestic work and does not pay rent, they (and their family) are considered part of your household.
Domestic employees include:
- Au pair
- Nanny
- Nurse
- Carer
- Governess
- Servant (including maid, cook or cleaner)
- Chauffeur
- Gardener
- Secretary
- Personal assistant
Live-in adult carers
A professional carer may live with up to three adult service users as a single household.
Foster families
A person living with their foster family are considered a single household.
Migrants, seasonal workers and asylum seekers
A migrant worker, seasonal worker, or asylum seeker occupies a property as their only or main residence if they meet the definitions stipulated in Regulation 5 of the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006
