• Everything You Should Understand About Property Licensing
    Licensing & Houses Of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Amidst the UK's expanding population and the escalating challenge for many to afford home ownership, the trend of renting rooms within shared housing is on the rise. The private rental market is responding with an unprecedented number of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). An HMO is essentially a residence inhabited by at least three tenants forming more than two households, meaning they are not all part of the same family. These shared living spaces are particularly appealing to students and working professionals, offering both an economical living option and the opportunity to form new friendships. If you're looking to rent, you might wonder whether an HMO is the right choice for you.

Since 2004, Adams Estates has established itself as a premier independent estate agency in Reading Berkshire, specialising in the robust HMO property sector. Expertly managing a portfolio of over 500 HMO properties, we leverage our comprehensive market insights to ensure full compliance and optimise rental income for investors. Our adept understanding of HMO rentals positions us as a trusted advisor, enhancing your property's profitability and securing its competitive edge in the dynamic property.

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Property licensing represents the method employed by Local Authorities to enhance living conditions within rental properties and to verify that landlords are qualified and responsible individuals to manage these dwellings. The specific license needed for a property depends on various elements, such as the tenant count and the jurisdiction of the council governing the area where the property is situated.



HMO Guide


Houses in multiple occupatiion explained

"Any property occupied by persons who do not form a single household"

Any property occupied by persons who do not forma single household, HMOs demand diligent management in line with "The Management of House in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulation 2006 SI 2006/372". Compliance with specific local authority stipulation is also essential. In Reading, properties housing more than one household necessitate an additional licence, while larger properties must obtain a mandatory HMO licence. Local councils conduct inspections during the licence application process for HMOs, and should they fall short of required standards, landlords or owners will be compelled to undertake necessary upgrades. For more details, we invite you to reach out to us.





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HMO


Article 4 Directive


RBC Building Regulations Portal


RBC Planning Portal




Types of Houses Multiple Occupation Explained

Mandatory HMO Licensing


Selective HMO Licensing


Additional HMO Licensing


Begin Your Compliance Journey by Contacting Us

If you're not sure which service is right for you, or you'd prefer to speak to a member of our team, give us a call on 01189 351616. Alternatively, send us your details and we'll give you a call just as soon as we can.





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99 news articles found. Viewing mode :
Read More Proposed Renters` Rights Amendments Rejected Amid Misuse Fears

Proposed Renters` Rights Amendments Rejected Amid Misuse Fears 12 September 2025

The Government has rejected the majority of House of Lords amendments to the Renters" Rights Bill, warning that several proposals could leave the system open to exploitation by landlords. Peers had suggested a number of changes, including allowing landlords to request an additional deposit from tenants with pets and enabling landlords to repossess properties in order to house a carer for themselves or a family member.... Read More

Read More Rental Market Set to Ease After Summer Peak

Rental Market Set to Ease After Summer Peak 05 September 2025

The rental market remained buoyant throughout August, according to Goodlord"s latest Rental Index. While the average cost of rent across England dipped slightly month-on-month, prices remain 2.9% higher year-on-year. At £1,480 per property, the average monthly rent is now the second-highest level recorded since the Index began in 2019.... Read More

Read More Government Proposes National Insurance Changes Affecting Landlords

Government Proposes National Insurance Changes Affecting Landlords 29 August 2025

Landlords could potentially soon face yet another financial blow from the government: the possibility of paying National Insurance (NI) on profits from rental income. According to a recent report by The Times, a government leak suggests that such a move could generate £2 billion for the Treasury.... Read More

Read More Landlords Call for Clear Rollout Strategy on Renters` Rights Bill

Landlords Call for Clear Rollout Strategy on Renters` Rights Bill 22 August 2025

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has called on the Government to set out a credible and detailed implementation plan for the Renters" Rights Bill, warning that uncertainty risks destabilising an already fragile rental market. The Bill, which represents the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in nearly four decades, is widely expected to become law within weeks.... Read More

Read More NRLA Urges MPs: Protect Student Housing to Safeguard Education

NRLA Urges MPs: Protect Student Housing to Safeguard Education 15 August 2025

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has joined forces with key housing bodies to warn MPs that they face a critical, last-chance opportunity to protect the student housing market—and with it, the future of higher education in the UK.... Read More

Read More More Councils Target HMOs as Crackdown Expands

More Councils Target HMOs as Crackdown Expands 08 August 2025

Hillingdon Council is weighing the introduction of tighter licensing regulations for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which could soon include smaller shared homes. This move comes amid a significant rise in private renting across the borough over the past decade.... Read More

Read More Renters` Rights Bill Sparks Surge in Landlords Seeking Rental Protection Insurance

Renters` Rights Bill Sparks Surge in Landlords Seeking Rental Protection Insurance 01 August 2025

With new legislation on the horizon and market pressures mounting as a result of the incoming Renters" Rights Bill, more landlords are turning to Rental Protection Insurance to safeguard their income and de-risk their portfolios. That"s according to Will Eastman, Head of Legal at HomeLet and Let Alliance, who shared his insights in the latest HomeLet Rental Index report:

"Rental prices continue to edge upwards, and market uncertainty appears to be playing a role," Eastman said.... Read More

Read More Government Continuing to Conceal Renters` Rights Act Effect on Courts

Government Continuing to Conceal Renters` Rights Act Effect on Courts 25 July 2025

A dispute over the Renters Rights Bill has escalated between the UK government and leading property technology company Reapit, with the firm demanding the release of a key report it believes could reveal major weaknesses in the justice system. Reapit is calling for the publication of the Justice Impact Test conducted for the Renters Rights Bill, arguing it will expose the court system"s inability to manage the surge in eviction-related legal cases anticipated once Section 21 "no-fault" evictions are abolished.... Read More

Read More It`s Official – Renters` Rights Bill Delayed Until Autumn

It`s Official – Renters` Rights Bill Delayed Until Autumn 18 July 2025

The long-anticipated Renters Reform Bill will not be passed into law before the summer, as it has now been officially delayed until early autumn. Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell has not scheduled any parliamentary time for the Bill to be debated next week.... Read More

Read More The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies: What the Renters` Rights Bill Means for You

The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies: What the Renters` Rights Bill Means for You 11 July 2025

In a landmark change to the private rental sector, all new tenancies in England will become open-ended periodic agreements with a rent period not exceeding one month. Existing tenancies will also transition to this format. The reform marks the end of fixed-term contracts, with landlords no longer permitted to serve Section 21 or legacy Section 8 notices to evict tenants—effectively overturning decades of rental practice.... Read More

Read More NRLA Calls for Tougher Enforcement of Decent Homes Standard

NRLA Calls for Tougher Enforcement of Decent Homes Standard 04 July 2025

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has welcomed the government"s move to introduce a legally binding Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector (PRS), emphasizing that enforcement will be key to its success.

In a statement this week, the government confirmed that it will soon launch a formal consultation on proposals to extend the Decent Homes Standard—currently only applicable to the social housing sector—into the private rental market.... Read More

Read More Solicitor Firm`s Astonishing Claim of Many Landlords Non-Compliance with Law

Solicitor Firm`s Astonishing Claim of Many Landlords Non-Compliance with Law 27 June 2025

A recent survey by Percy Hughes & Roberts Solicitors (PHR), a respected law firm based in Birkenhead, has uncovered troubling levels of legal non-compliance among landlords in the UK rental sector.

Out of 559 responses collected from both landlords and tenants, a striking 45% of tenants believe their deposits have not been protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme — a legal requirement under the Housing Act 2004.... Read More