An application form must be completed and returned to the council for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) which require a licence. The application form can be downloaded from this page.
Please refer to the Government's website via the link on the right hand side of this page for further information concerning qualifying criteria for properties requiring a HMO licence.
If you wish to vary an existing HMO licence, please use the variation form on this page.
Applying to re-licence a HMO – Second Phase.
The first phase of HMO Licensing is nearing completion and a number of HMO licences are expiring. If you are currently operating a licensable HMO and your licence is about to expire then you will need to re-apply for a new licence for each property by submitting a new application before each current licence expires. On the expiry date of your HMO licence, the property will no longer have a valid licence. There is no provision for the council to extend or renew your licence. You will have to make a full new licence application to the council including new floor plans.
It is recommended that you make your application at least three months before expiry of a HMO licence. This will allow the council sufficient time to process your application and raise and deal with any queries with you before the new licence is due to commence.
You do not have to wait for your current licence to expire before making a new licence application. You can apply at anytime for a new licence and the council can issue you with a new licence prior to expiry of your existing licence. The date of commencement will be from the expiry of your existing licence. This will enable landlords with larger portfolios to ‘stagger’ submission of applications and the associated costs.
A new application with accompanying guidance notes can be downloaded on this page. Alternatively, you can request a paper copy to be sent to you by contacting the HMO Licensing Team. The council will not accept any liability for forms that do not reach you.
It remains your responsibility to ensure that we have got a fully completed application form with all the information requested. If you are using the postal service you are strongly advised to keep a copy of the form and obtain proof of postage and/or delivery. Incomplete forms will not be treated as being a valid application. The council will not accept responsibility for any forms that do not reach us. We will issue an acknowledgement within 10 working days of receiving your completed application. If you do not receive an acknowledgement by this time then you should contact the HMO Licensing Team straight away.
If your property is no longer licensable, please write or email explaining the reasons why this is the case. If you no longer own the property or control it, please inform the HMO Licensing Team.
Unless we hear from you to the contrary, it will be assumed that the property for which you are named as licence holder requires a HMO licence.
All currently licensed properties where the HMO licence has expired and a new application has not been received will be visited. You should note that if you continue to operate a licensable HMO without a valid licence or without having made application for a new licence, the council may take prosecution proceedings which upon summary conviction could lead to a fine of up to £20,000 being imposed per property. Furthermore, other action can be taken against you such as an application for a rent repayment order by tenants.
You are also reminded of your right to seek independent legal and technical advice.