House of Multiple Occupancy license

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:

• the house is or can be made suitable for the number of people that you would like to occupy it
• the applicant is the most appropriate person to hold the license
• the management arrangements are satisfactory

Apply for a HMO license

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:

* 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 fee on grant of the licence becomes payable.

Apply for/renew a HMO license

Change a HMO license

Operating a HMO without a license is an offence, punishable on conviction to a maximum fine of £20,000.

A summary of the regulation relating to this license

Licenses will be granted if the:

• house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
• applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence
• proposed manager has control of the house and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
• management arrangements are satisfactory

Will tacit consent apply?

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.

Failed application or license holder redress

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.