HMO Definition

HMO Licensing

Hello, I have recently let out my property to a group of four people, two of whom are related (Brother and Sister). Each of them lives with their partner. I take a single monthly rent payment from one of them, but all four are named on the AST.

The local authority (Coventry City Council) have an additional liscencing scheme and their website states the below, which implies to me that I don't need a lisence (as I think there are two households living together, of which they are related), but I wanted to seek your advice to confirm.

It's a normal three bedroom terrace house with shared bathrooms, living areas and kitchen.

---

What is an HMO?
“HMO” stands for “House in Multiple Occupation.” It is defined as being a house where two or more unrelated households share amenities. It includes what people call bedsits.

The property is an HMO if it is tenanted by 3 or more unrelated persons forming two or more households and sharing basic amenities. Note that a group of friends is not regarded as a household, as they are not related; basic amenities are defined as a toilet, personal washing facilities or cooking facilities.

---

Many thanks.