HMO Licensing: Protect Your Investment, Stay Compliant
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are subject to strict licensing requirements. Operating without a licence is a criminal offence carrying unlimited fines and rent repayment orders. Our in-house solicitor guides Chester landlords through every aspect of HMO compliance.
Fine
Operating an unlicensed HMO is a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine on conviction.
Civil penalty
Local authorities can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution.
Rent repayment
Tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order covering up to 12 months of rent paid while the HMO was unlicensed.
Three types of HMO licence — which applies to you?
Mandatory HMO Licence
Required for all HMOs in England that are occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households, and where the building is at least 3 storeys high.
- 5 or more occupants
- 2 or more separate households
- At least 3 storeys
- Shared facilities (kitchen, bathroom, toilet)
Additional Licensing
Local authorities can introduce additional licensing schemes covering smaller HMOs not caught by mandatory licensing. Chester West and Chester Council may have additional licensing requirements — always check with the local authority.
- Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants)
- Applies where local authority has designated a scheme
- Check with Cheshire West and Chester Council
- Penalties same as mandatory licensing
Selective Licensing
Selective licensing can apply to all privately rented properties in a designated area — not just HMOs. It is used by local authorities to address problems such as anti-social behaviour or poor property conditions.
- Applies to all private rentals in designated areas
- Not limited to HMOs
- Check whether your property is in a designated area
- Failure to licence is a criminal offence
What your HMO licence requires you to do.
Minimum room sizes
Bedrooms must meet minimum size requirements: 6.51m² for one adult, 10.22m² for two adults. Rooms under 4.64m² cannot be used as sleeping accommodation.
Adequate facilities
The property must have adequate kitchen, bathroom, and toilet facilities for the number of occupants. The local authority will specify the required number of facilities.
Fire safety
HMOs must have appropriate fire safety measures including fire doors, smoke alarms on every floor, heat detectors in kitchens, and a fire escape route.
Gas and electrical safety
Annual gas safety certificates and 5-yearly EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) are mandatory. Certificates must be provided to the local authority on request.
Fit and proper person
The licence holder must be a fit and proper person. Criminal convictions, housing offences, or previous licence revocations can result in refusal.
Management standards
The property must be managed in accordance with the HMO Management Regulations 2006, covering maintenance, waste disposal, and common areas.
HMO licence application — handled end to end.
Determine if licensing applies
We assess whether your property meets the definition of an HMO and whether mandatory, additional, or selective licensing applies.
Property compliance check
We review the property against the licence conditions — room sizes, fire safety, facilities, and management standards — and advise on any works required.
Prepare the application
We prepare the licence application, gather the required documents (gas safety, EICR, floor plan), and submit to the local authority on your behalf.
Manage the process
We liaise with the local authority, respond to any queries or conditions, and ensure the licence is granted as efficiently as possible.
Ongoing compliance
We advise on renewing the licence (typically every 5 years), maintaining compliance with conditions, and managing any changes to the property or occupancy.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about HMO licensing in Chester and beyond.
Is your HMO fully licensed? Let us check.
Our in-house solicitor can assess whether your property requires a licence, guide you through the application, and ensure ongoing compliance — protecting you from unlimited fines and rent repayment orders.