Are there any exemptions from licensing?

There are four main classes of property that are exempt from the HMO licensing scheme.

There are four main classes of property that are exempt from the HMO licensing scheme.

• Properties where all the occupants (or at least one member of each family) are owners.
• Properties owned by communal groups, established as a co-operative housing association, the management of which is undertaken by general meeting.
• Properties occupied by members of a religious order
• Accommodation provided as part of a service registered with the Care Commission as:
  • A care home service
  • An independent health care service
  • A school care accommodation service, or
  • A secure accommodation service.

For these categories, the Care Commission sets and monitors standards for the accommodation in which the service is provided, as well as the service itself. In other categories, particularly housing support services, the Care Commission only regulates the service provided, and the accommodation is not exempt from HMO licensing.

Crown property is also exempt, but all other HMOs must be licensed, including those operated by local authorities and other public bodies. The day-to-day manager will be named on the licence as a joint licence-holder.