Licensing for certain HMOs
Not every house in multiple occupation (HMO) needs to be licensed.
A licence is needed for all properties that:
- are occupied by 5 or more people
- have 2 or more households
In some areas of Thurrock a licence is needed if the property is occupied by 3 or 4 people living in 2 or more households – go to additional licensing for HMOs.
You can get information on HMO licensing in the UK from:
HMO licensing in Thurrock
The licence is issued to a person or organisation. It is payable per property and can't be transferred. Separate licence applications are needed for each property – go to apply for a licence.
Licences last for 5 years unless there is a change in circumstances during this time. Any changes will need a new application and payment of a new fee.
Go to fees and charges for the latest fee details – licence fees are reviewed regularly.
We can refuse to issue a licence if we don't consider the applicant to be a fit and proper person.
It is an offence to operate a licensable HMO without the proper licence – prosecution may result in an unlimited fine, or we may issue a civil penalty notice up to £30,000.