A house of multiple occupancy (HMO) must be licensed if it is occupied by five or more people forming two or more separate households. This means that at least two of the occupants are not related to one another and is regardless of the number of storeys in the property. This includes any HMO which is a building or a converted flat where householders lack or share basic amenities such as a toilet, personal washing facilities or cooking facilities. It also applies to purpose built flats where there are up to two flats in the block and one or both are occupied as an HMO.
You can get a license if:
To apply for a new HMO license or to renew an expired license, please refer to the table of fees below and then click on the button to make an application:
| Type | Fee on application | Fee on grant of licence | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New application (5 year licence) | £475.00 | £601.00 | £1,076.00 |
| Renewal (5 year licence) | £411.00 | £601.00 | £1,012.00 |
| Discounted renewal* (5 year licence) | £411.00 | £550.00 | £961.00 |
| HMO Application (2 year licence) | £475.00 | £240.00 | £715.00 |
* All valid renewals received complete with all supporting documents and application fee at least 28 days before the existing licence expires shall qualify for a 5% discount. The discount will be applied when the licence is granted and is due for payment.
Operating a HMO without a license is an offence, punishable on conviction to a maximum fine of £20,000.
Licenses will be granted if the:
No. It is in the public interest that we must process an application before a licence can be granted. This is because the licence determines whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the licence and whether the property is suitable to be multi-occupied.
After an application for a licence has been submitted you are able to operate a house in multiple occupation as if you have a licence until the council has processed the application. We will aim to process your application within 90 days and will keep you informed of progress at regular intervals.
Please contact the Housing Standards Team in the first instance.
You can appeal to a Residential Property Tribunal regarding your failed application or relating to the conditions attached to the license or any decision to vary or revoke a license. Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
In some cases when dealing with an HMO which should be licensed, the person having control or managing it may choose to notify the council that it is their intention to take steps to ensure that it does not fall within the licensing regime. In such instances, a TEN may be served on the person having control or managing the HMO. If served, this will allow the property to remain unlicensed for a period of no more than three months, after which time if it is still licensable, then such a licence must be applied for. If, after this initial three-month period expires, the person having control or managing the HMO makes another notification then the council may serve a second and final TEN for another three-month period but only if there are exceptional circumstances.
Housing Standards Team
If you have an enquiry about housing standards, send a message to the Housing Standards team
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