HMO inspection
1 template
Free
HMO inspection record template
England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Fillable PDF
Complete on screen or print and sign
For houses in multiple occupation
Checked October 2026
Before you use it
Arrange access before inspecting. Give notice in accordance with the tenancy or occupation agreement and applicable local law, at least 24 hours in England and Wales, 48 hours for Scottish private residential tenancies, and reasonable notice in Northern Ireland (24 hours is good practice). Agree a reasonable time and obtain permission before entering private rooms. Notice alone does not normally authorise entry without consent. Access to shared areas depends on the occupiers’ rights and the applicable agreement. Different rules may apply in genuine emergencies.
Fire safety
First
Escape routes, alarms and fire doors on every visit.
Frequency
No single rule
Follow your licence conditions and fire risk assessment.
Access
Agreed
Notice in writing, and permission for private rooms.
What the HMO inspection record covers
1
Inspection details: when, where and who
2
Occupancy: against the licence and agreements
3
Fire safety: check on every inspection
4
Gas, electrics and water: visible checks only
5
Condition and repairs: shared areas, and private rooms where agreed
6
Cleanliness and waste: shared areas
7
Documents, certificates and notices: check validity, availability, display and review
8
Actions: what needs doing, by whom and when
9
Tenant feedback: if tenants are present or have sent comments
10
Sign-off: records the inspection
Fire safety comes first
Fire is the most serious risk in an HMO, so check escape routes, alarms and fire doors on every visit. A fire door that closes on its self-closer can still fail if its seals or hinges are damaged, so the checklist asks about both. Any serious defect, such as a blocked escape route, a defective fire door or a failed alarm, must be escalated straight away rather than left until the next inspection. Our guide to HMO fire safety requirements covers what each property type needs.
What the council checks at an HMO inspection
England and Wales: licensing under the Housing Act 2004, with separate management regulations for each nation. Some councils add additional HMO licensing on top of mandatory licensing.
Scotland: licensing under Part 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
Northern Ireland: licensing under the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
Licence conditions and council standards often add requirements, including how often you inspect, so check yours alongside this checklist.
How often should you inspect an HMO?
There is no single interval across the UK. Follow your licence conditions and your fire risk assessment, which may set one. Shared areas and fire safety are usually checked more often than private rooms, which you should only enter with the occupant’s permission. For a single-household let, use our property inspection checklist instead.
Run HMO inspections in August
August’s maintenance tracking turns each action into a job you can assign and close, and the checklist’s action table takes the August reference. Our page for HMO landlords shows how August supports HMO landlords, and the HMO calculator models the numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to inspect an HMO bedroom?
Yes. Give written notice and get the occupant’s agreement before entering a private room, except in a genuine emergency. Access to shared areas depends on the occupiers’ rights and their agreements.
Does a fire risk assessment expire?
Not on a fixed date. It must stay suitable and sufficient, so review it regularly and whenever something changes, such as new occupants, building work or a fire.
Is this checklist enough to prove my HMO meets its licence?
No. It records what you saw and did. Licensing, occupancy and fire requirements vary by nation and licence, so check your licence conditions and council standards too.
What happens if an HMO isn’t licensed?
Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence, with large fines or civil penalties. Our mandatory HMO licensing guide explains when you need one.
Templates checked against legislation in October 2026. They are provided for general information and are not legal advice.
