A building converted partly into self-contained flats is a house in multiple occupation if:
- it contains one or more non-self-contained flats (bedsits or bedrooms which share basic amenities such as a communal toilet, bathroom or kitchen)
- it is occupied by three (3) or more people (includes adults and children)
- they form at least two households - see Glossary of terms for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
- it is their only or main residence (includes full-time students and use as a refuge from domestic violence)
- the house is used as a home only (this means a residential house or flat and not a commercial unit)
- rent is payable (includes when accommodation provided instead of wages)
This type of HMO with five or more people require a mandatory (England-wide) HMO licence.
