There are three types of licence – the one you need will depend on how many people you have living in your HMO, or if you have a property converted into flats.
- Mandatory licence – for HMOs of five or more people. Self-contained flats with five or more people within a block of two or less flats.
- Additional licence – for HMOs of three or four people. HMOs with three or more people within a purpose built, self-contained flat, located within a block of flats comprising of three or more self-contained flats.
- 257 licence – if your building has been converted into flats, does not comply with 1991 building regulations, and two thirds or more of the flats are rented out, it will require a licence. No licence is needed if the building is occupied only by two people who form two separate households.