Licence Conditions

HMO Licence Conditions

Mandatory and common additional conditions you must comply with when operating a licensed HMO.

Mandatory Conditions (All Licences)

These conditions apply to every HMO licence in England and Wales. Your council cannot waive them.

  • Property suitable for the number of occupants
  • Manager is fit and proper (no relevant convictions or housing breaches)
  • Annual gas safety certificate submitted to the council
  • Smoke alarms installed and maintained
  • Electrical safety certificate (EICR) provided when requested

Common Additional Conditions

Councils often add these conditions. Check your licence document for what applies to your property.

  • •Minimum room sizes (national minimums or council-set)
  • •Fire safety measures (fire doors, extinguishers, emergency lighting)
  • •Waste and refuse storage arrangements
  • •Maximum number of occupants per room
  • •Contact details for manager displayed in property
  • •Tenancy agreement requirements

National Minimum Room Sizes

Single room: 6.51 sqm (or 10.22 sqm if occupied by person over 10)

Double room: 10.22 sqm

Some councils set higher minimums. Rooms below the minimum cannot be used for sleeping.

Frequently Asked Questions