HMO amenity standards
HMO amenity standards are the minimum numbers of kitchens, bathrooms and toilets a council requires relative to the number of occupiers in a licensed HMO.
4 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
HMO amenity standards are the minimum numbers of kitchens, bathrooms and toilets a council requires relative to the number of occupiers in a licensed HMO.
Typical ratios
Councils commonly require one bathroom per five to six occupiers and adequate kitchen facilities for cooking and food storage.
Room sizes
National minimum room sizes apply: 6.51 sq m for a single room, rising with occupancy.
Enforcement
Failing to meet amenity standards can block a licence renewal or lead to licence conditions requiring works.
This wiki entry is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.