What is an HMO licence?

Permission from the council to let a property as a house in multiple occupation, granted for up to five years and attached to conditions.

The conditions cover fire detection and escape routes, room sizes, kitchen and bathroom provision for the number of occupants, waste, and gas and electrical safety. The council can inspect and will usually want to.

You also have to be a fit and proper person, which is checked, and the licence names who manages the property.