Compliance guide
HMO licence checklist
HMO licensing is handled locally, so buyers and sellers should always check the exact council requirements for the property address. This checklist helps organise the information investors commonly ask for.
Licence and occupancy checks
Confirm whether the property needs mandatory or additional licensing, who holds the licence, when it expires, the permitted occupancy, household limits and whether any renewal or transfer issues may arise after sale.
Safety and amenity checks
Review fire risk assessment, fire doors, alarms, emergency lighting, gas safety, electrical reports, waste arrangements, kitchen facilities, bathrooms and minimum room sizes. Licence conditions may set specific local standards.
Planning and Article 4 checks
Licensing does not automatically prove planning compliance. Buyers should check whether the property has lawful HMO use, whether Article 4 restrictions apply and whether the property is C4 or sui generis where relevant.