Four people may be a smaller HMO
An ordinary house shared by four people in two or more households may come within additional licensing. A council designation, rather than the national five-person threshold alone, can create the licensing requirement.
Use the current local designation
Read the council notice for scope, dates, exclusions and how to apply. A licensing designation can expire or be replaced. Keep a copy of the advice and the source used for your property.
Check your property
Use the free checker with your council and property facts. Partial boundaries, flats, converted buildings, resident landlords and statutory exemptions still need individual review.