HMO licensing in Derry City and Strabane

HMO licence required: 3 or more people from more than 2 households (Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (NI) 2016). Licences are issued by councils, led by Belfast City Council for the NI HMO service.

Northern Ireland: single mandatory scheme run by NI HMO Unit (Belfast City Council)

Planning policy on HMOs

LDP 2032 Plan Strategy (adopted 10 July 2025) Policy HOU 13: within HMO Management Areas (to be defined in the Local Policies Plan) HMOs limited to 30% of dwelling units; outside them 10% of dwelling units on the street; in the transition period until the LPP is adopted no more than 30% of houses in any street may be granted for HMO use. Policy HOU 14 caps each HMO at 4 bedrooms. Draft SPG dated August 2025.