Information for students

Know your rights

If you're a student looking to rent along with two or more people, some of the houses you consider could be Houses in Multiple Occupation, often called HMOs.

An HMO property is the main residence of three or more people, who are from more than two households. It should be rented by at least one of the people living in the accommodation.

Whether you are looking for or moving in to a new HMO, our tenants' guide can has useful information on:

• pre-tenancy checks
• you and your landlord's rights and responsibilities
• unlawful eviction
• personal safety tips, and
• how to end your tenancy.

It will help you to learn your rights, avoid common issues and enjoy your student home.

Read our information guide for HMO tenants

• Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

Check the HMO licence before you rent

Your landlord must have a licence for the HMO to make sure it:

• is safe
• meets all the regulations
• is good quality
• has suitable facilities for the number of people living there, and
• is managed well.

You can see if a property has a licence on the NIHMO register.

Check the licence register (link opens in new window)

If the HMO property is not registered, you can contact the NIHMO unit at [email protected] for advice.