excluded from the amended classification. Apart from the statutory definition of HMOs requiring a mandatory licence, local authorities have the power to introduce approved licensing schemes which include smaller HMOs as licensable. Typically these are for three or more tenants forming more than one household. Section 257 HMOs The Housing Act 2004 (HA) introduced a classification of HMO under section 257 of that Act which includes self-contained flats in a converted block, where: the conversion did not comply with 1991 building regulations less than two-thirds of the self-contained flats are owner-occupied This classification helps bring buildings with inadequate fire and safety regulations under the control of local authority (LA) inspection regimes. s257 HMOs are often expressly included in LA additional licensing schemes for HMOs. Council Tax The Council Tax (Liability for Owners) Regulations 1992 provide a different definition of HMO that is used solely for determining Council Tax liability. Typically, the landlord is required to pay Council Tax on behalf of tenants. Cost for tenants HMOs living spaces are often smaller but typically cheaper than a one bedroom flat. HMO agreements often include most utility bills with the rent. This is because it is difficult for landlords to apportion the cost of bills to each tenant fairly and it is also more appealing to potential tenants. Licensing HMO licensing was first introduced in Scotland in 2000. To be granted a licence under the scheme, properties must meet certain standards, such as presence of smoke detectors and fire doors. These provisions were included in response to a fatal fire at a student flat in Glasgow, which had no working smoke detectors, and metal bars preventing escape through a window. HMO schemes have been subsequently introduced to other parts of the UK, though the legal definition of what constitutes an HMO varies between Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales. Generally In the United Kingdom, an HMO has the following characteristics: at least three tenants live there, forming more than one household and toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared between tenants. Definitions of what constitutes an HMO and a household are set out in the law for each legal jurisdiction. England and Wales A home is a large HMO if all of the following apply: at least five tenants live there, forming more than one household toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared between tenants Before 1 October 2018, there was an