Applying for a HMO licence
How do I apply for a HMO licence?
Find out how to apply for either a mandatory or additional licence or to renew an existing licence.
Find out more about applying for an HMO licence
How we decide on your licence application
We'll grant licences if all the following apply:
- The house contains 5 or more unrelated persons in 2 or more households.
- The applicant is a "fit and proper" person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence.
- The proposed manager has control of the house, and is a "fit and proper" person to be the manager.
- The management arrangements are satisfactory.
What happens if you fail to apply for a HMO licence?
If you fail to apply for a licence, there are a range of sanctions that could be applied:
- It's a criminal offence to operate a licensable HMO without applying for a licence. On conviction, you could face a fine of up to £20,000.
- It's a criminal offence to breach your licensing conditions. On conviction, you could face a fine of up to £5,000.
- If the council cannot grant a licence or a licence is revoked, an Interim Management Order (IMO) must be made. This will transfer the management of the property to the local authority. The council can then spend monies received through rents to cover the costs of managing the property.
- If a landlord operates a licensable HMO without a licence, section 21 procedures to evict tenants cannot be used.·
- Any rent received while the property was unlicensed may have to be paid back to the local authority or in certain circumstances the tenant.
Will tacit consent apply?
Tacit consent will not apply to this application. It's in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you've not heard from us within 28 working days please contact us using the details on this page.