House in multiple occupation (HMO)
Apply for, vary or renew your HMO licence
Apply for an HMO licence
The licence holder must be able to produce for each HMO:
- a completed, signed and dated HMO Licence Application form
- a valid current gas safety certificate
- proof the electrical installation, electrical appliances and furniture are safe
- proof all smoke alarms are correctly positioned and in working order
- for each occupier, a written statement of terms on which they occupy the property.
- a current floor plan of the property
- accurate measurements for all rooms in the property.
- a current copy of your fire risk assessment.
- fee - refer to the Application Form
The licence will specify the maximum number of occupants who may live in the HMO, there may also be other conditions relating to the condition of the property, or provision of amenities.
The council can refuse to licence the HMO if the property does not meet the conditions above, or the licence applicant is not a fit and proper person to hold the licence.
If a licence is refused the council could issue an Interim Management Order which allows it to manage the property for up to a year. There is a right of appeal against the decision not to issue a licence, or against any conditions included in the licence.
You can apply online for an HMO licence or download an application form and return to us.
Download HMO licence Application Form
All licences under the mandatory licensing scheme can be issued for up to five years
You will need to pay a fee when applying (they cover the costs of operating the scheme). Our fees increased from 4 April 2016.
You can get discounts if:
- you are an accredited landlord - a current member of an approved accreditation scheme, for example, UK Landlord Accreditation Partnership (UKLAP) - for a £100 discount. Valid membership details must be provided and verified to received this discount. This is for new applications only and not renewals.
- 50 per cent reduction on the licence fee for registered charities.
Civil Penalty Notice
If your property requires a licence under the Mandatory Licensing scheme and the Council finds you to be operating without a licence or If you have not made a valid application you will incur a Civil Penalty Notice of up £30,000
Change (vary) your HMO licence
If you need to change or vary your HMO licence you can apply online or download an application form and return to us.
Download HMO to Vary Application Licence Form
There is no fee for a variation to your licence but if you are applying to use additional rooms, you will have to pay the relevant fee as listed above per room. Please be aware that we may need to inspect your property prior to issuing a variation to your licence.
We cannot transfer a licence to a new licence holder. You would need to apply to revoke your current licence and the new applicant would be required to submit a new application complete with full fee. We do not refund licensing fees.
Reasons to change your licence could be:
- change your address / name (e.g. due to marriage / divorce)
- change the name of your manager
- increase or decrease the number of occupiers
Renew your HMO licence
Prior to the expiry of your licence you must submit a new application with the supporting documents and refer to application form for the relvant fee. You can apply online or download an application form and return to us. To enable us to process your application, we would recommend submitting your application a minimum of 60 days before your current licence expires.
Any applications received after the expiry date of the previous licence, will be required to pay the "new" application fee and may incur the £300 penalty fee.
The fee depends on the type of property and is payable per room available for letting:
You can get a discount of 50 per cent if you are a registered charity. No other discounts apply.
Revoking your HMO licence
If you sell your property, reduce the number of occupiers below licensing requirements or it becomes a single family household, you can apply to revoke your licence. Please be aware that if in the future, your property requires a licence, you would be required to submit a new application and fee.
Download an Application Form to revoke your HMO licence
Applying for a Temporary Exemption from Licensing (TEN)
You can apply for a temporary exemption from HMO licensing if you decide to reduce the number of occupiers below the licensing requirements. This will enable you up to six months to reduce the number of tenants and you must be able to demonstrate this to the Council.
Download a Temporary Exemption Application Form
Alternatively, you can apply online at the Government's website:
Please contact the Residential Enforcement Team for more information.