Introduction
You need a licence to own or manage a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Hounslow.
This is not the same as a getting planning permission for an HMO, which you may also need.
We operate two types of licensing schemes for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs):
Mandatory HMO Licensing
This is required by law across England.
This covers HMOs occupied by five or more people, forming two or more households and sharing facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.
Additional HMO Licensing
This is designated by the Council on the 11th of September 2025 and applies borough-wide from 11th December 2025.
This includes:
- All HMOs as defined by section 254 of the Housing Act 2004 which are occupied by three or more persons in two or more households; and
- Converted building HMOs, as defined by section 257 of the Housing Act 2004 but only where the building and all the dwellings in the building are either in the same ownership or considered by the housing authority to be effectively in the same control.
The application process is the same for both Mandatory and Additional licensing of HMOs.
Downloadable documents
Public Notice: Additional Licensing of HMOs (PDF)
Designation Document: Additional Licensing Scheme 2025–2030 (PDF)
These documents provide full legal and procedural details about the Additional HMO licensing requirements, enforcement powers, and exemptions under the Housing Act 2004.
What we'll consider
When we receive an application, we will consider:
- if a person is fit and proper
- if adequate management arrangements are in place
- the planning status and wider neighbourhood issues
Our HMO licensing policy sets out the criteria we will consider when making a licensing decision.
A licence lasts:
Five years.
However, we may issue a shorter licence if either:
- there are concerns about the management or physical condition of the premises
- we have found deliberate avoidance of licensing
In such cases, we will normally issue a one-year licence.
We will contact you with notice when it's time to renew your licence.
Licence conditions
When we issue a licence, we will specify the maximum number of people who can occupy the HMO.
We will attach the licence conditions and the HMO standards that you need to adhere to.
If you're unlicensed or in breach of licence
It is a criminal offence to operate an HMO without a licence if a licence is required.
It is also an offence if you fail to meet the conditions of your licence.
Licensing breaches may result in:
- prosecution, which may lead to unlimited fines
- financial penalty notices, up to a maximum fine of £30,000
- being added to the rogue landlord database
- rent repayment orders
- interim management orders
- being unable to issue a section 21 "notice requiring possession" during the period the property is unlicensed
Any decision to prosecute or issue a civil penalty will be taken in accordance with our enforcement policy.
A member of the public can report an HMO if they believe it's unlicensed or in breach of its licence conditions.
