A Landlord’s Guide to HMO Licensing in Bristol

If you’re a landlord in Bristol, chances are you’ve heard of HMO licensing. But what exactly does it mean, and how do you make sure your property is compliant? 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about HMO licensing in Bristol … from the basics, to the process of acquiring and the common pitfalls to avoid.

What is a HMO?

A house in multiple occupation (‘HMO’) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It’s sometimes called a ‘house share’.

There are two main types of licensing in Bristol:

(1) Mandatory HMO Licence

You’ll need this if your property is:

- Occupied by 5 or more tenants from two or more households

- Sharing kitchen, bathroom, or toilet facilities

(2) Additional HMO Licensing (Bristol-specific)

Bristol City Council also requires some smaller HMOs (with 3 or 4 tenants) in certain areas to be licensed under its Additional Licensing Scheme. This was introduced last year and came into effect on 6 August 2024. Most privately rented HMOs will need an additional licence except those Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) already covered by mandatory licensing or covered by an existing additional licensing scheme.

How to apply for a HMO Licence in Bristol

Step 1: Check the requirements on the Bristol City Council website

Step 2: Submit your application online – you’ll need details of the property built, floor plans, and the following certificates:

• Gas Safety Certificate
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (‘EICR’) certificate
• Energy Performance Certificate (‘EPC’)
• Fire Safety Certificate

Step 3: Pay the licensing fee 

Costs vary depending on the size of the property and licence type.

Step 4: Prepare for an inspection

The council has to carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) risk assessment on your HMO within 5 years of receiving a licence application. If the inspector finds any unacceptable risks during the assessment, you must carry out work to eliminate them.

What Happens if You Don’t Get a Licence?

Operating an unlicensed HMO in Bristol can result in:

‍(1) Unlimited fines

It’s commonly believed that the maximum fine for renting out an HMO without a licence is £20,000, but the reality is that it’s unlimited.

(2) Being added to the  Rogue Landlord Register

(3) Difficulty regaining possession of your property 

Per section 75 of Housing Act 2004, a landlord who does not have a relevant HMO licence would be restricted from using the section 21 procedure to obtain possession of their property. 

‍How The Cribs Can Help

At The Cribs, we work closely with landlords across Bristol to make sure their properties are fully compliant with HMO regulations. From licensing applications to property management, we handle the details so you don’t have to worry.

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👉 Thinking of letting your property as an HMO? Get in touch with us today – our team can guide you through the process step by step.

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