• The Housing Act 2004 came into effect from 6 April 2006. It includes several elements that relate to houses in multiple occupation.
• The definition of a house in multiple occupation has changed, with most student shared houses being included as HMOs for the first time.
• Landlords of HMOs which are three storey or more and are occupied by five people or more will need to apply to the council for a licence.
• Certain houses in multiple occupation may need to have planning permission. Please see the Planning pages (link below) for more details.
Southampton City Council
