Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

HMO public register and reporting

We publish a redacted version of the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) public register. This register includes details of licences we have granted, and remain in operation.

Please email us at [email protected] in advance to arrange a date and time.

If you would like copies of any of the information, we may make a change in line with our fees and charges.

You can view the full version of the register at the address below.

West Northamptonshire Council
One Angel Street
Angel Street
Northampton
NN1 1ED

Report a suspected unlicensed HMO

If you suspect a property is being used as a house of multiple occupation that is not included on the register, please report it to us so we can investigate. 

There may be a good reason for an HMO not to be licensed:

• it may be exempt
• a valid application may have been received by us and is still being processed
• it may be subject to a Temporary Exemption Notice
• it may be subject to a management order

What we do when we receive a report of an unlicensed HMO

All reports are checked and we carry out a desktop review of intelligence. If we believe a property is likely to be an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO), we will make an unannounced visit.

We may enter a property at any reasonable time to investigate offences. We do not have to give notice before visiting. If necessary, we may apply to the Magistrates’ Court for a warrant to gain entry.

If an HMO is found to be unlicensed, there can be serious consequences. The council may prosecute the landlord or managing agent. If the court finds them guilty, it may impose an unlimited fine.

As an alternative to prosecution, the council may issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 for certain offences under the Housing Act 2004 or for breaches of banning orders under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

The council may also recover up to 12 months of housing benefit that was paid while the HMO was unlicensed. Tenants may apply to reclaim rent for the same period if the landlord is found guilty. Guidance on rent repayment orders is available on section 21 notices on the Shelter website.

If the council has evidence of housing law violations, it may refuse or revoke an HMO licence. To continue operating, the landlord must agree suitable alternative arrangements for another person to hold and manage the licence. There are restrictions on who can take over this responsibility.

Banning orders prevent landlords and agents who have committed relevant offences from letting or managing residential properties.

A section 21 notice is invalid if a landlord serves it while a property is required to be licensed but no licence is in place and no exemption applies. Find information about section 21 notices on the Shelter website.

Reporting disrepair in HMOs

All HMOs should be safe and well managed and licence holders are required to comply with licence conditions. When something goes wrong, the first person you should contact is the landlord or agent responsible for maintenance.

If you would like to report a disrepair, please visit our Housing Disrepair and Enforcement of Housing Conditions page.

Last updated 19 September 2025