A House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a house or flat occupied by people who do not form a single household and who share basic amenities.
The law (Housing Act 2004) says an HMO is a house or flat that is let to three or more unrelated tenants (or 2 or more households) who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. In order to be an HMO the property must be the tenants main home or principal address, this will include properties let to migrant workers
In 2006, regulations to control the management of both licensable and non-licensable HMOs were introduced.
Changes to planning rules, requiring planning permission for all new Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Hatfield from 12 January 2012 and covers the whole of Hatfield, meaning that planning permission is now required when owners intend to turn a dwelling house into an HMO for three to six occupants.
Large Houses in Multiple Occupation, those with more than six people sharing, already required planning permission prior to this regulation change.
Hatfield Council has a Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets out the Council's approach to planning applications for houses in multiple occupation. There is currently no fee for a planning application required due to the Article 4 Direction.
The Direction does not affect houses in multiple occupation in existence prior to 12 January 2012.
Please talk to our helpful team who are happy to offer practical advice on obtaining planning permission and licensing if required.
Further information:
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