What counts as an HMO in the UK?

An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a property let to three or more tenants who form more than one household and share facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. A "large HMO", five or more tenants from two or more households, needs a mandatory licence from the local council. HMOs are taxed, regulated and managed differently from single-let properties, which is why August is built around the HMO structure rather than adapted to it. For the official definition, see UK Government guidance on houses in multiple occupation.