House in multiple occupation licence (Northern Ireland)

A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It바카라 사이트™s sometimes called a 바카라 사이트˜house share바카라 사이트™.

The tenants must be from more than one 바카라 사이트˜household바카라 사이트™ for it to be an HMO - a couple or a family count as a single household in an HMO.

To let out your property as an HMO in Northern Ireland you must get a licence.

There is a different process to get an HMO licence in England and Wales or get an HMO licence in Scotland.

Your responsibilities

Your licence sets out the conditions for being a landlord of an HMO. This includes your responsibilities for things like:

  • making the property safe
  • carrying out repairs
  • meeting energy performance requirements
  • only letting the property to the number of tenants allowed by your licence
  • dealing with anti-social behaviour at the property

There are . Your council may include extra conditions as well.

How to apply

You need to apply for your licence online through Belfast City Council - even if the property is in a different council.

Your licence will normally last for 5 years. The cost depends on how many people live in the house. There are additional costs to make changes to the licence.

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Fines and penalties

If you let your HMO without a licence, you could be fined either:

  • a fixed penalty of £5,000
  • up to £20,000 if the case goes to court

If you exceed the number of tenants allowed by your licence, you could be fined up to £20,000. You may also be fined for every day that it continues.

If you break any other condition of your licence, you could be fined up to £10,000.

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