House in multiple occupation (HMO) - licence, fees and rules
Apply for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence
Please check whether you need a licence
If you are a landlord or manager of a licensable HMO and the property is not licensed, or the licence is coming to an end within the next two months, you must apply for an HMO licence for the property with the council right away.
Save £75 by applying for your HMO licence online: submitting your application in Word/PDF format incurs £75 charge.
Apply for a licence online
Alternatively, request a form from us: contact Private Sector Housing
Supporting information required
As part of the application the following supporting information must be provided. This can be uploaded with your online application or sent in separately to the Private Sector Housing Team. Without this information your application will be invalid:
- Photo ID of the proposed licence holder
- Photo ID of the proposed manager
- Latest fire alarm test certificate
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out within the last five years proving the condition of the whole of the fixed electrical wiring and lighting circuits in the property
- Current Landlord’s Gas Safety Register (gas safety certificate)
- An example of a tenancy agreement or terms of occupation
- Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) testing certificate covering all portable electric appliances supplied to the tenants
- Copy of the fire risk assessment
- Floor plans detailing layout of every floor
Fees
Please check HMO licence fees
Shorter licence periods
The standard length of time for a licence is five years. If you require a shorter licence then you must complete a paper application and send it to us. In some instances the council may exercise its discretion and issue a shorter licence.
Who can apply for a licence?
Anyone can apply for a licence. Typically applications are made by a person having control of the proposed HMO, or the proposed manager. Lot of checks are undertaken before deciding whether a proposed licence holder and proposed manager are fit, as well as proper persons and the most appropriate persons to be involved in the licensing and management of an HMO. Whether the property is suitable for multiple occupation will also be checked. Contact the Private Sector Housing Team for more information.
How long does the licensing process usually take?
Two months
What happens if your application is not processed by this council within the normal approved time period
It is in the interest of public safety and public health that the council processes the application. The council may be required to consult other external agencies prior to making a decision. Therefore, should you not receive confirmation that your licence application has been granted or rejected within two months of submission you may not start your business.
If you have not heard from us in that time period
Please contact Private Sector Housing
Complaints concerning the process
In the first instance, please contact us. Anyone who is refused a licence or objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Any change in circumstance
Licences cannot be transferred from one person to another. If you are looking to change the use or layout of a licensable HMO, you must consult with us about this.
Last updated: 03/01/2024 12:34:
