This document provides information about Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and class usage. It summarizes the additional licensing requirements for HMOs with 3 or more unrelated occupants that took effect in 2012. Landlords are required to have an up-to-date license and ensure properties meet safety standards like having an interconnected fire alarm system and fire doors. It also explains the changes to class usage classifications and the need to obtain planning permission to change a family home designation to one for sharers after February 2012. Non-compliance with these regulations could result in fines or legal action against landlords.

1. A calm and rational guide to
HMOs & Class Usage
Finders Keepers
30/1/12

2. Is this a House in Multiple
Occupation?
Mum Dad Son
Daughter Daughter Grandpa
Aunt

3. No
Because these chaps are all related

4. Would these 3 make an HMO?
Would these three make an HMO if
they were living together?
YES – they’re friends,
not blood-related

5. Mandatory Licences
• For the last 5 years the bigger HMOs
with 5 unrelated occupants and 3 storeys
have needed a licence
• The licence cost was £800 over 5 years

6. Additional Licensing - Phase 1
2011
• Phase 1 – last year
• All 4 person 3 storey homes
• All 5 person 1 storey homes
• Licence costs ~ £1,200 over 5 years
• Key changes required
– Interlinked fire alarm system
– Fire doors (esp kitchen)
– Under stairs fire protection

7. How did it go
• Generally has gone well
• 500 properties licensed last year
• Circa 50 cases against landlords brought
and being brought to court

8. Additional Licensing – Phase 2
2012
• Phase 2 – This year
• All property being used as an HMO must have applied
for a licence before 31 Jan 2012
• All homes with 3 sharers need a licence from 31st Jan
onwards
• Key changes required
– Interlinked fire alarm system
– Fire doors (esp kitchen)
– Under stairs fire protection

9. Class Usage
• All houses used by families or sharers
were classified as C3
• In April 2010 the law changed
• C3 now means family use
• C4 now means sharers’ use

10. Feb 2012 changes
• If you have a house with sharers on 23 Feb 2012 it
automatically assumes C4 usage without the need to
apply for planning consent
• From 24 Feb 2012 you will need to apply for planning
consent to change the usage from a family to sharers
• In some areas (E Oxford) there is a ban on any more
C4s
• In other areas there can be no more than 25% C4s in a
street [we think this will be the policy but the Council is yet to
announce it]

11. Implications
• If you get a change of use to C4 you will then
need to apply for an HMO licence
• You need to fulfil HMO requirements – fire alarm
etc
• Landlord becomes liable for the council tax –
factor this into your budgeting

12. To know more
Frank Webster
• frank.webster@finderskeepers.co.uk
• 01865 302308
Student Letting: Simon Tyrrell
• simon.tyrrell@finderskeepers.co.uk
• 01865 200012