What is a HMO?
A house in multiple occupation is a home rented to three or more people who don’t live as one household. It could be the whole building or a part.
Tenants will share some areas. This could include kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, and living areas.
Apply for a HMO License
If your HMO is rented to five or more people, forming at least two households, it needs a licence. Each licensable HMO will need its own licence.
It is your responsibility to check if you need planning permission or building control approval for a HMO.
HMO licence application form (PDF , 679KB)
HMO licence application form (DOCX , 211KB)
Westmorland and Furness Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (PDF , 128MB)
A license fee currently costs £534 for a 5-bedroom property, £34 per room thereafter for both new licenses and renewals.
A HMO licence can last for up to five years. The licence limits how many people can live at the home during the term. It reflects its size and facilities.
All licenses are granted on the agreement that certain conditions are met during the licence term. You must submit proof on application and on request.
If your property is a HMO that doesn’t need a licence
Most of the regulations that apply to licensed HMOs still apply to HMOs without licenses.
If you are the owner or manager of a HMO that doesn’t need a licence, you must still meet the standards. This keeps the property and occupants safe.
Read the rules for managing HMOs on Shelter
Failure to manage a HMO property can result in a £30,000 fine or prosecution.
Fit and proper person checks
Licence holders and managers of HMOs must be fit to manage the property requirements. They must have no criminal record, or breaches of landlord law or code of practice.
Checks are carried out on application.
Fire safety
Fire safety measures are a vital part of managing HMOs. Each HMO will have its own requirements, depending on its size, layout, and amenities.
This includes fire doors, clear escape routes, and alarms that suit the size and needs of the building.
Read the fire safety guidance for those with legal duties on Gov.uk
We work alongside Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to inspect properties and make sure they are safe.
Fire risk assessments
Every HMO requires a detailed fire risk assessment by a competent person. It must be reviewed at least every 5 years.
Read the fire safety risk assessment guidance for sleeping accommodation on Gov.uk
Amenity standards
We have our own amenity standards that HMOs have to meet to be licensed.
Westmorland and Furness HMO Amenity Standards (PDF , 274KB)
Contact us
General Customer Service for all areas
Telephone: 0300 373 3300
Barrow area:
Email: privatehousing@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Address:
Housing Standards Team
Town Hall
Cornwallis Street
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 2LD
Eden area:
Email: housing.services@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Address:
Housing Standards Team
Voreda House
Portland Place
Penrith
CA11 7BF
South Lakes area:
Email: housingstandards@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Address:
Housing Standards Team
South Lakeland House
Lowther Street
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 4DQ