Mandatory HMO Licensing

Properties that must be licensed are all Houses in Multiple occupation (HMOs) consisting of three or more floors, (including basements, attics and floors used for commercial use) with at least five occupiers who share a bathroom(s) or kitchen(s).

The  Department of Communities and Local Government (opens in a new window) have produced guidance to help landlords, managers and tenants in the implementation of HMO Licensing.  

Councils maintain a public register of houses in multiple occupation subject to mandatory licensing which can be viewed at your local council offices.

All HMOs must be properly managed in accordance with the  Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (pdf, 45kb) (opens in a new window) (England) Regulations 2006.

They must also comply with the council's  amenity standards (pdf, 67kb) (opens in a new window) for HMOs.

Who must apply for a licence?

Anyone who owns or manages an HMO that must be licensed has to make an application for an HMO licence (pdf, 305kb) (opens in a new window)  to the council.  Once granted, the licence will specify the maximum number of people who may live in the HMO and contain conditions to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the occupants.

The licence can last for up to five years.  If you think you own or manage an HMO that requires a licence then please contact us..

We aim to work with landlords to meet the current HMO standards through assistance and advice. However, where appropriate we will consider the use of our housing enforcement powers.

• Mandatory HMO Licensing in Purbeck

  Currently Purbeck District Council does not charge for licensing HMOs (House in Multiple Occupancy).

• Mandatory HMO Licensing in West Dorset

  The current fee for a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licence is £100. The following table includes links to apply online, after registration with Business Link.

• Mandatory HMO Licensing in Weymouth & Portland

  The current fees for an House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) Licence

• Mandatory Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupancy in North Dorset

  North Dorset charges a fee for a mandatory licence for a house in multiple occupancy (HMO).