• 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.

Experts In HMO properties






Protect Yourself From These Risks

Fines Up To £30,000

Criminal Prosecution

Rent Repayment Order

Rogue Landlord And Agent Database

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.





HMO


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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89 news articles found. Viewing mode :
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

Read More An Update on the Renters` Rights Bill

An Update on the Renters` Rights Bill 20 June 2025

Parliament has confirmed that the Renters" Rights Bill will enter its next major phase with the House of Lords Report Stage starting 1st July, continuing on 7th and 15th July. A Third Reading will follow shortly after, with the Bill likely to return to the Commons and receive Royal Assent by 22nd July—though a September approval is possible if delays occur.... Read More

Read More Chancellor Targets Housing and Rent Issues in Spending Review

Chancellor Targets Housing and Rent Issues in Spending Review 13 June 2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has used her Spending Review statement in the House of Commons to announce a near-doubling of government investment in affordable housing.

As part of the plan, social housing landlords will be permitted to increase rents above inflation for the next decade.... Read More

Read More New EPC Changes Introduced This Month

New EPC Changes Introduced This Month 05 June 2025

Landlords, be aware: major changes to how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are assessed come into effect this month and they could impact your property"s rating.

What"s Changing?

The new rules are part of an overhaul to the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) which is defined as the method behind EPCs.... Read More

Read More Renters` Rights Bill Expected to Become Law by Late Summer

Renters` Rights Bill Expected to Become Law by Late Summer 30 May 2025

The Renters" Rights Bill is moving closer to becoming law, with the next stage of its passage through Parliament expected to begin next week, following the House of Lords" return from the Whitsun recess on June 2.

During the Committee Stage, which took place between April 22 and May 15, the House of Lords spent around 30 hours scrutinizing the Bill and considering over 300 proposed amendments.... Read More

Read More Act Now: Landlords Urged to Get Ready for Making Tax Digital

Act Now: Landlords Urged to Get Ready for Making Tax Digital 23 May 2025

Landlords are being advised to start preparing for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, despite the new rules not coming into force until April 2026. The changes will significantly impact how landlords report rental income and manage their tax obligations.... Read More

Read More Lettings: Landlords To Face Additional Screening by Agents from This Week Onwards

Lettings: Landlords To Face Additional Screening by Agents from This Week Onwards 16 May 2025

All UK letting agents are legally obligated to screen landlords, tenants, and other clients against the UK government"s official sanctions list, in accordance with newly enforced financial sanctions regulations which have come into effect as of 14th May.... Read More

Read More Caution Arising as Housing Market Showcasing Signs of Strain

Caution Arising as Housing Market Showcasing Signs of Strain 09 May 2025

The latest market snapshot from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) highlights increasing strain in the UK housing market. In April, both buyer enquiries and agreed sales declined further, largely due to ongoing economic uncertainty, affordability challenges, and tight borrowing conditions.... Read More

Read More Incoming Anti-Money Laundering Changes

Incoming Anti-Money Laundering Changes 02 May 2025

Starting May 14, 2025, letting agents must follow new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Financial Sanctions Regulations (FSR). These rules are meant to improve oversight and reduce financial crime. Garrett Foxon, CEO of automated client accounting platform Lettspay, explains the key points:

New Reporting Duties

Letting agents will need to:

• Report to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) if they know or suspect someone is under financial sanctions.... Read More

Read More Changes To Renters` Rights Bill Proposed by NRLA

Changes To Renters` Rights Bill Proposed by NRLA 28 March 2025

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has provided details of its support for certain adjustments demonstrated by Lords and organisations within the last couple weeks to the Renters" Rights Bill. The Bill is set to return to the House of Lords on April 22nd 2025 for the first part of at least two days of detailed examination.... Read More

Read More Important Update: New Landlord Licensing Rules Due to Be Implemented in Reading

Important Update: New Landlord Licensing Rules Due to Be Implemented in Reading 21 March 2025

Following on from our newsletter last year on the 29th of November regarding new HMO regulations being set for the Reading Berkshire area, we now have an important update in order to help prepare our buy-to-let landlords relating to the new tough licensing regulations set to be employed throughout the town.... Read More