HMO Licence help!!

[rhian0]

Hi I really need help.

I am an owner occupier, of a flat. There are 2 other flats in the building, Both of which are rented out therefore making it an HMO.

Recently the council inspected on of the flats and sent a letter asking certain upgrades to the communal hall, (fire regulations in the light of grenfell). These have been done but the housing officer emailed saying an HMO Licence is required.

I previously rented my flat out so already have a selective landlords licence. The other 2 flats also have the same licence. As I now live in the flat and don't rent it out do I require a licence? or is it just the 2 flats that are renting?

Im seriously confused so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Are the flats in your building "self-contained" - ie each one has its own kitchen/bathroom etc? If so then I think there may be some misunderstanding somewhere. HMO licenses apply to individual properties that are (at least partly) rented out - and flats should be treated as separate properties as far as I can tell. You'll need to look at your own council's information specifically to check exactly what their HMO criteria are, and then get back to the housing officer I think. Good luck sorting it smoothly!