Renting out a House in Multiple Occupation, or HMO, is not a simple process, as it comes with strict legal requirements. Failing to meet these requirements can result in hefty fines, rent repayment orders and banning orders. The Mandatory HMO Licensing scheme has been introduced to ensure that properties rented to multiple tenants meet the minimum requirements for management, space, and safety standards.
The licensing process can seem overwhelming and complex to landlords, investors, or property managers due to the varied local regulations, renewal requirements, and compliance checks. Yuno has simplified the process of obtaining and maintaining an HMO licence. Whether you need help identifying which licence you need, are in need of a new licence or are seeking a renewal and everything in between, we are here to ensure your HMO property compliance.
Mandatory HMO licensing in England and Wales refers to the legal requirements for rental properties that accommodate 5 or more unrelated residents who share facilities within the property. These facilities include bathrooms, toilets and or kitchens. The goal of HMO licensing is to ensure properties meet safety, management and space requirements in order to protect tenants and maintain housing standards.
In Wales only, the property must be 3 or more stories, and in England only, there is an exemption for flats that have 3 or more flats in a purpose-built building. Other exclusions can apply.
In contrast to selective or additional licensing, which varies by local council, Mandatory HMO licensing applies uniformly across England and Wales.
As previously stated, the licensing process is complex and involves a range of compliance checks. These compliance checks include fire safety, HHSRS, room size, waste management provision and property management. If you don’t have a valid HMO licence, and maintain compliance with it, you risk severe penalties, fines and legal consequences that may prevent you from renting out properties in the future.
In order to ensure HMO compliance to licensing, property professionals need to apply for a Mandatory HMO license through the local council, follow application procedures, comply with the HMO Management Regulations 2006, property inspections and continuous renewal requirements of the licence itself and all requirements of the issued licence. Yuno assists property professionals in navigating this process by ensuring all regulatory obligations are met effectively and in a timely manner, end-to-end.
In order to obtain an HMO licence, landlords and property professionals need to comply with specific standards, including but not limited to the following:
Note: Measuring space in a bedroom is quite complex. Yuno is here to support you should you need it.
These are just some of the strict requirements that ensure property compliance and tenant safety.
The process to apply for a mandatory HMO licence is complex and involves:
It is essential to note that processing fees and times vary by local council, so it is advisable to consult your local authority for specific details, or Yuno can provide support.
Navigating the Mandatory HMO licensing process can be overwhelming, but with this in mind, Yuno has simplified the process by providing landlords with expert support at every stage. Our goal is to minimise delays, total costs, risks and potential penalties.
Planning: Remember that if you do not have the relevant planning permission in place or have not applied for it before applying for the licence, you may receive a refusal of the licence or a short licence term, which will add costs and stress. Yuno can confirm your requirements before you start on your journey.
Non-compliance with Mandatory Licensing can result in severe consequences, including:
Ensuring compliance not only avoids these penalties but also contributes to maintaining high housing standards and tenant satisfaction.
With years of experience in the industry, Yuno offers expert-led, end-to-end support to help landlords manage the entire HMO licensing process.
From initial requirement checks to final council approval and upgrade works, we ensure that your property is fully compliant, legally secure, and tenant-ready. This allows you to focus on managing your investment without unnecessary administrative burdens.
Stay Updated with Regulations
HMO regulations also regularly change, and licences require periodic renewal.
In order to keep your licence up to date, Yuno offers ongoing compliance support, keeping you informed about:
Licensing regulations are well known to change over time, and Licences require periodic renewal.
Yuno offers ongoing support to help landlords stay informed about:
This continuous support ensures that landlords, managers and property professionals remain compliant and avoid potential issues arising from regulatory changes.
This proactive approach helps you maintain adherence to all legal requirements.
With over 15 years immersed in the property sector, Paul’s expertise is unparalleled. From his beginnings as a developer in Chelsea to pioneering the innovative Yuno property compliance model, his journey showcases a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies.
Having been a slave to the beast of responsibility & liability, Paul decided to partner with property legal professionals & experts to create a platform that would empower all with the knowledge and means to set themselves free once and for all. With Yuno, you’re not just complying; you’re thriving.
With his Chartered Accountant background and extensive experience in corporate finance, private equity, and real estate, Steve plays a pivotal role as our Financial Director and Advisor. His financial acumen is invaluable in shaping Yuno’s financial strategies and ensuring sound financial governance.
With over 25 years of experience, Steve’s insights and guidance are instrumental in driving Yuno’s financial success.
With over 15 years of professional experience spanning diverse sectors, from law enforcement to fintech, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge to our team.
In 2016, Russell’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to raise an impressive $8 million for the establishment of Paymenta, a cutting-edge platform specializing in foreign exchange and remittances.
Russell is a proud graduate of Oxford, where he earned his PGDip in Software and System Security. His expertise and passion for technology make him an invaluable asset to Yuno, ensuring our platform remains at the forefront of innovation.
Lori brings over two decades of expertise in estate agency and the private rental sector to the Yuno team.
As a valued advisor, Lori plays a crucial role in shaping Yuno’s compliance solutions, ensuring they meet the needs of our clients in an ever-evolving industry. Her wealth of knowledge and commitment to excellence make her an integral part of our mission to simplify compliance in property management.
David’s legal prowess in property litigation, property regulation, and data protection is unparalleled. His extensive experience, especially in matters concerning residential tenancies and agencies, makes him an invaluable asset to Yuno.
With a keen eye for new legislation and obligations, David excels in advising and litigating complex property issues. He has a knack for finding innovative solutions within existing laws to tackle unique client challenges.
With a proven track record of nurturing businesses and an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour in relation to property, Kate is a true industry figure. Her insights and expertise are invaluable to Yuno’s mission.
Kate’s dedication to improving the property industry aligns perfectly with our goals, and her guidance helps us continually evolve to meet the needs of property professionals and consumers alike.
