HMO licence in Northern Ireland
A legal requirement for landlords in Northern Ireland, needed every 5 years. It applies to rented properties that are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and is the landlord’s own to do.
At a glance
- How often
- Every 5 years
- Who does it
- The landlord (or their agent)
- Applies to
- Rented properties that are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
- Legal status
- Legal requirement
Common questions
How often is the HMO licence needed in Northern Ireland?
The HMO licence is needed every 5 years in Northern Ireland, counted from the date of the last one.
Who is responsible for the HMO licence?
The landlord, or an agent acting for them. In Northern Ireland the HMO licence is the landlord’s own to do.
Does it apply to every rented property in Northern Ireland?
No. It applies to rented properties that are houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
What does the law say?
Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (NI) 2016, ss.1 and 19: a property let to 3 or more people from more than two households needs a council licence, lasting up to 5 years or a shorter period set in the licence. Apply through the NI HMO Unit at Belfast City Council, and renew before expiry.
Written from the same rule Beamwise uses to track this for properties in Northern Ireland, last updated . Rules change, so check the legislation named above or take professional advice before relying on it.
Other requirements in Northern Ireland
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Certificate of fitness (pre-1945 property)
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12 / LGSR)
- HMO chimney and flue cleaning
- HMO fire risk assessment
- HMO portable appliance testing (PAT)
- Landlord Registration Scheme
- Smoke and heat alarms
- Tenancy deposit protection
- Tenancy Information Notice
- Chimney sweep / solid-fuel appliance service
- Legionella risk assessment
- Oil boiler service
- Rent increases: frequency and notice
Let Beamwise keep track of this for you.
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