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• Houses in multiple occupation

• Licensing for houses in multiple occupation

Houses in multiple occupation

It is difficult to give a concise definition of a 'house in multiple occupation' (HMO), but essentially it is a house occupied by persons not related to each other.

The City Council's role

Landlords are required to provide and maintain fire safety, amenities and carry out any necessary repairs.

We respond to complaints from tenants and also undertake a programme of planned inspections.

We offer advice to landlords on the standards required in houses in multiple occupation, an advisory booklet is also available. This document can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

The Housing Department is committed to recognising and publicising decent residential accommodation as part of the Coventry Community Plan and, as a result of this, has introduced a scheme known as the Coventry Accredited Property Scheme (CAPS), This recognises privately rented residential property which is of a good standard and is well managed.

Making sure you have a licence - information for landlords

Properties with three or more storeys and five or more un-related occupants require a licence as from April 6th 2006. Landlords wishing to obtain a copy of the 'Licensing  guide for landlords (HMOs)' can download this document at the bottom of this page.

Landlords wishing to find out more about the licensing of houses in multiple occupation are invited to get involved in our consultation process, which takes place at our landlord's forums. To find out when the next forum will take place, please contact the housing enforcement team on the number below.

Other useful links

The Department for Communities and Local Government (formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) provides further information about Housing in Multiple Occupation Licensing (external website)Landlord Development Manual provided by Improvement and Development Agency and Accreditation Network UK.

We have more information about council tax and making payments on the Council website.

For information on Fire Protection for Houses in Multiple Occupation please see the Homestamp website. PLEASE NOTE: Homestamp is curently not available because it is being updated. For Fire Safety guidance in the meantime, please use the LACORS information which you can download below.

Contact details:

Downloadable documents