If you own or live in a house in multiple occupation (H.M.O.) which comprises 3 or more storeys (this includes basements and attics used for living accommodation) and there are 5 or more residents, then it will need a licence from the Council. This is a mandatory requirement and it is an offence for anyone to operate such a property without a licence.
South Gloucestershire Council works in partnership with Bristol, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset on many housing issues and has produced a common H.M.O. Licensing process. Details of the procedure, including an application form, are available on our West of England Housing Website. The link to this is in the 'other websites' section on this page.
The government has also produced guides for Landlords and Managers and for Tenants. Both documents can be viewed or downloaded from the 'read more' section on this page.
If you require any further information on this matter please phone 01454 868126.