Houses in Multiple Occupation

Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

What is an HMO?
A simple definition of an HMO is a house or flat which is occupied by 3 or more unrelated persons. The term can apply to hostels, including student residences, bedsits and shared flats.

What is Happening?
Legislation requires that houses in multiple occupation are licensed by the Council.

Houses in Multiple Occupation - Overprovision Policy (40KB PDF)
Guidance Notes and Standards for Shared Accommodation 112KB PDF)
Application for Grant of Licence for House in Multiple Occupation (123KB PDF)
Houses in Multiple Occupation - Licensing Conditions (55KB PDF)
HMO Management Standards Document (66KB PDF)
Sample Emergency Plan (22KB PDF)
Sample Record of Fire Safety Equipment and Training (41KB PDF)

To Tenants
Do you live in a multiple occupation house or flat?

Illegal, unlicensed accommodation may not meet the Council's safety standards and residents may be at risk.

Have you concerns regarding:

Fire Safety?
Gas/Electrical Safety?
Facilities?
Standard of Repair?
Overcrowding?
Tenancy Issues?

Have you checked the licensing status of your accommodation with your landlord?

If you are unhappy or uncertain, if you wish further advice, or if you have any problems with the standard of your accommodation, please contact the HMO Unit at Housing Department, Floor 6, City House, Overgate Centre, Dundee DD1 1UH, Tel: 0800 085 3638.

To Landlords
Do you operate premises which require a licence?

Landlords who continue to operate HMOs without a licence are committing an offence and render themselves liable to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.

Are your premises up to standard, clean and well maintained?

Do they have a legitimised planning status?

Have you:

upgraded the means of escape?
addressed gas and electrical safety issues?
fulfilled your common property responsibilities?

If you wish any further advice regarding the licensing scheme or the relevant standards, please contact the HMO Unit at Housing Department, Floor 6, City House, Overgate Centre, Dundee DD1 1UH, Tel: 0800 085 3638.

To Neighbours
Are there multi-occupied houses in your neighbourhood?

Where a licensing application has been submitted, a public notice requires to be displayed for 21 days, where it can be easily read, at or near the premises.

You are entitled to object, stating the grounds of your objection:

if you believe that unlicensed HMOs are being operated in your neighbourhood

if you are experiencing nuisance conditions arising from or associated with HMOs.

For further advice and for information regarding the licensing scheme, please contact the HMO Unit at Housing Department, Floor 6, City House, Overgate Centre, Dundee DD1 1UH. Tel: 0800 085 3638.

The Better Renting Scotland website gives general information about private renting.

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This information is provided by the Housing Department