Houses of multiple occupation

Properties must be licensed by us if:

the property is three storeys or more, and the property is let to five or more tenants who form more than one household

It is an offence to operate a licensable HMO without a licence. You cannot legally collect any rent on the property and you may be prosecuted with a maximum fine of £20,000. You may also have to repay any rent received over the previous 12-month period.