Status message

Important Customer Information: Online services for Benefits, Council Tax and Business Rates will be unavailable from 5.30pm on Thursday 25 April to 6am on Friday 26 April for essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Houses in multiple occupation (shared housing)

Information on houses in multiple occupation (HMO) and HMO licensing.

Report an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO)

If you suspect a property is a house in multiple occupation (HMO) and is not licensed, or you have any concerns about an HMO, you can report this to us online.

HMO licensing regulations

The law relating to shared houses or houses in multiple occupation has changed. Since 1st October 2018, landlords of most Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that house five or more people and not a single household must apply for an HMO licence.

Register of HMOs

Properties in Ipswich that are currently licensed as Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

What is a House in Multiple Occupation?

According to the Housing Act 2004, a House in Multiple Occupation, or HMO, is a building, or part of a building, that is occupied by three or more persons who do not form a single household - in other words, are not family members.