An extra resident can change licensing, amenities and safety requirements even if no new bedroom is created. Assess the proposed household before agreeing occupation.
Count correctly
- Count people and households or families using the applicable legal definition.
- Include a partner becoming resident, not only the names paying rent.
- Distinguish a visitor from a person using the home as their residence on the facts.
Check the accommodation
- Read each room's permitted occupation and the building's overall limit.
- Review kitchen, bathroom, refuse and fire arrangements for the proposed number.
- Check planning and building permissions where the use or layout changes.
Record the decision
- Obtain written authority clarification or variation where needed.
- Do not advertise or promise a place that exceeds the permitted arrangement.
- Update the household and management records when the move is lawful.
Check the effect of one extra resident
Count actual residents and households, including partners who have moved in. A spare bed is not evidence of permission.
- Compare the proposed arrangement with each room limit, the overall licence limit and any planning restriction. Check whether a room is authorised for sleeping rather than another use.
- Recalculate who shares each kitchen, bathroom and toilet. An acceptable bedroom does not establish adequate shared facilities or escape arrangements.
- If the proposal needs a licence variation or another approval, obtain the necessary decision before occupation changes. Explain the delay and the reason to the applicant without promising that approval is certain.
Example: a double room gains a second resident
A fictional room is large enough in ordinary language, but the licence authorises one person in it. Check and resolve the licensing position before accepting a partner. Bed size is not the occupancy permission.
What to do
- Record the proposed residents and household relationships.
- Compare room and total occupancy with the licence and local standards.
- Obtain any necessary permission or variation before occupation.
Evidence to keep
- Licence, floor plan, room measurements and household assessment.
- Authority response and updated agreement or permission.
Sources and guidance
- Houses in multiple occupationUK Government · checked 20 October 2026
- HMO mandatory licensing: prescribed descriptions, article 3legislation.gov.uk · checked 20 October 2026
- Applying for an HMO licenceScottish Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Edinburgh HMO licence, standards and conditionsCity of Edinburgh Council: local requirements · checked 20 October 2026