• 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.







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.





What Do I Need To Know

What Is a HMO


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HMO
80 news articles found. Viewing mode :
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

Read More Small Share of Rental Properties Marketed Are Pet Friendly Despite Incoming Bill

Small Share of Rental Properties Marketed Are Pet Friendly Despite Incoming Bill 14 March 2025

Only 8% of rental properties advertised on the current market are pet-friendly, months ahead of the upcoming Renters" Rights Bill which is due to become law this spring/ summer. Just within the UK alone, it is projected that around 51% of adults own a pet therefore the incoming Bill is the latest effort by the government to upsurge pet-friendly properties throughout the rental sector.... Read More

Read More Positive Update for Landlords: Potential Renters` Rights Bill Amendments Explained

Positive Update for Landlords: Potential Renters` Rights Bill Amendments Explained 07 March 2025

The House of Lords is currently considering a series of adjustments to the controversial Renters" Rights Bill due to soon come into effect.

Fixed-Term Tenancies and Eviction Provisions: The Lords have proposed retaining fixed-term tenancies of up to 12 months, with potential extensions after four months of occupancy.... Read More

Read More Landlords At Risk Of £4,000 Penalty If Not Registered with Data Regulator

Landlords At Risk Of £4,000 Penalty If Not Registered with Data Regulator 28 February 2025

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is prompting landlords who electronically handle personal information to pay their annual fee to the Information Commissioner"s Office (ICO). The ICO serve as the regulator for data protection and landlords are expected to pay a set fee if they store any personal information regarding applicants on a computer or phone; this also includes the use of CCTV.... Read More

Read More Renters` Rights Bill Passes Second Reading in The House of Lords

Renters` Rights Bill Passes Second Reading in The House of Lords 07 February 2025

The Renters" Rights Bill has now passed its second reading, taking place on the 4th of February 2025, in the House of Lords and will proceed onto the Committee stage. Peers debated the Government"s proposals for the Private Rental Sector (PRS) of the Renters" Rights Bill.... Read More

Read More Tax Return Warning – Just Hours Remaining for Landlords to File Returns

Tax Return Warning – Just Hours Remaining for Landlords to File Returns 31 January 2025

The deadline of January 31st for landlords to file their annual tax return is hours away, those not meeting this deadline risk a late filing penalty of £100. Recent official statistics demonstrate around 66% (approx. 8.6m) of those tax payers have already met this deadline and finalised filing of their annual returns.... Read More

Read More Landlords: What You May Need to Do in Order to Endure Upcoming Renters` Rights Bill

Landlords: What You May Need to Do in Order to Endure Upcoming Renters` Rights Bill 24 January 2025

Adams Estates have looked into the best methods for landlords on how to endure, as well as thrive, throughout the rental market following the Renter"s Rights Bill coming into effect.

Beginning with a positive, the Labour Party has pledged not to implement rent controls, with interest rates due to decrease and the demand for rental housing at consistent highs.... Read More

Read More The Renters` Rights Bill Successfully Passes Third Reading in House of Commons

The Renters` Rights Bill Successfully Passes Third Reading in House of Commons 17 January 2025

On the 14th of January 2025, the Renters" Rights Bill has successfully been approved through its third reading in the House of Commons. As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping you informed, we wanted to update you on the latest developments regarding the Bill, which is now currently making its way through Parliament.... Read More

Read More Full Report of The Amended Renters Rights Bill Now Available

Full Report of The Amended Renters Rights Bill Now Available 10 January 2025

The complete amended version of the Renters Rights Bill, consisting of more than 220 pages, is now available to view online. It possibly may yet be subject to further adjustment and next Tuesday the Bill returns to the House of Commons for what is called the Report Stage of its proceedings.... Read More

Read More Season`s Greetings and End-of-Year Updates from Adams Estates

Season`s Greetings and End-of-Year Updates from Adams Estates 20 December 2024

As we approach the festive season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued trust and partnership with Adams Estates. This year has been filled with milestones and challenges, and we truly appreciate your support every step of the way.... Read More