Is a student house a HMO?

Asked by: Angelina Roberts  |  Last update: July 22, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (65 votes)

Most student houses are 'houses in multiple occupation' (HMO), which is the term for a property occupied by at least three people who are not from the same household.

What is a student house?

Student houses are usually rented with joint tenancy agreements. Sole tenancies are generally more popular in professional accommodation as housemates often move in separately and are unacquainted prior to living together. A sole tenancy agreement also allows tenants to move out independently.

What classifies an HMO?

A house in multiple occupation – commonly known as an HMO – is a property which is rented by three or more tenants who aren't part of the same household (i.e. a family).

Is a house share the same as a HMO?

A house in multiple occupation ( HMO ) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 'household' (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It's sometimes called a 'house share'.

Who is exempt from HMO licensing?

The exemptions include: Two persons – any building occupied by only two persons in two households. A property where the landlord and their household lives with up to two lodgers. Buildings occupied entirely by freeholders or long leaseholders (or 2/3rd occupied in the case of a section 257 HMO)

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40 related questions found

Is a bedsit same as HMO?

To put it into layman's terms, an HMO has at least three people living in the building each from different households and who share facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom. A bedsit is typically a self-contained unit (e.g. it may have a single electric ring or kettle) within a building.

Is HMO commercial or residential?

HMOs get valued as commercial properties, but HMOs converted from what was an ordinary residential property, rather than a commercial to residential conversion such as a pub or offices are NOT a commercial property, but a residential property temporarily being used for a commercial purpose.

What is an unlicensed HMO?

An unlicensed HMO is an HMO that meets the minimum criteria, but does not meet the mandatory licensing criteria and selective licensing is not enforced. An unlicensed HMO is still an HMO, and the additional responsibilities must be followed.

Do I need HMO for 3 tenants?

If there are three or more unrelated tenants living in at least two separate households within your property, sharing the toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities, this is classed as an HMO.

What is the difference between student housing and an apartment?

Student apartments have smaller kitchens than multifamily apartments. The apartments tend to be larger, with as many as four to six students living together. Housing for upper-class students often includes private bathrooms for each of those students.

Can you live in a student house without being a student?

Most student houses tend to consist of students studying at the university, however, there is sometimes no rule saying that non-students or part-time students are not allowed to stay there. This is something you must check with your accommodation provider.

Why do landlords not want students?

Most landlords won't rent to students because they are worried about the damage they could do to their property, new research has revealed.

What happens if a landlord doesn't have a HMO licence?

Landlord penalties for not having an HMO licence

Your landlord can be fined and ordered to repay up to 12 months' rent if you live in a HMO that should be licensed but is not.

Can two couples live together HMO?

The good news is - you don't. The Housing Executive doesn't require you to register as an HMO if the house is "occupied by persons who comprise no more than two families." One more person outside of those two couples and their families would tip the balance, so just be aware of that if they ask to move anyone else in.

Can 3 friends rent a house together?

That doesn't mean that you can't let the house to three different people, but it does mean that they should all be named as joint tenants on one tenancy agreement. So yes, having a single contract for the whole property shouldn't count as multiple occupancy in your lender's eyes.

Can I be evicted from an unlicensed HMO?

Your rights to remain in your home:

Landlords of unlicensed HMOs cannot proceed to recover possession of the property and require tenants to vacate by serving a section 21 notice, while the property is unlicensed.

Is it illegal to not have a HMO licence?

Under the Housing Act 2004 it is a criminal offence to operate an unlicensed HMO, where a licence is required.

Do you need a license for a small HMO?

You will need a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets the standard test, self-contained flat test or converted building test HMO definition (section 254 of the Housing Act 2004) and is occupied by five or more people.

Is a HMO multiple dwelling?

4.25 HMO (for the purposes of planning) are defined as “a single family dwelling house or self contained flat in a house organised in such a way that it becomes occupied by a number of separate households that share certain facilities in common”.

Is a HMO commercial?

HMO portfolio mortgages

Portfolio purchases and refinances are fairly common and are usually funded on a commercial basis, rather than through traditional HMO mortgages. These loans can include mixed portfolios, where there is a mixture of HMOs, buy to let properties, commercial and semi-commercial properties.

Is a HMO a commercial mortgage?

These types of mortgages are generally used by those looking to invest in commercial property, such as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Lenders usually provide up to 65% Loan to Value for a commercial investment mortgage.

Do bedsits need HMO Licence?

If the bedsits are in a property which also classifies as an HMO, then the landlord will be under additional obligations, such as the need to obtain an HMO license in order to lawfully rent out the property.

Is a B&B a HMO?

Buildings entirely occupied by freeholders or long leaseholders. The Council will regard bed and breakfast hotels as HMOs if they are housing any people who use the hotel as their main residence for more than 30 consecutive days.

What's the difference between a bedsit and a shared house?

A bedsit is defined as a single unit within a shared property, in which the tenant occupies the unit but shares other facilities in the home, such as the bathroom and kitchen, with other people living in the building.

How much is the fine for not having an HMO licence?

prosecution, which carries an unlimited fine. fines of up to £30,000. management orders, where the Council takes over the management of the HMO. rent repayment orders, where you'll have to pay back up to 12 months of rent you collected.