Licence summary
If you rent out a property as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), you may require a licence from us.
Eligibility criteria
Applications must be made to the local housing authority where a property fulfils the mandatory licensing criteria. A licensable HMO is one which comprises 3 or more storeys and 5 or more unrelated occupiers (consisting of 2 or more households), who share an amenity such as a kitchen, toilet, bathroom or lounge.
A fee will be charged for this service.
You must be a fit and proper person to hold the licence.
Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application evaluation process
Licences will be granted if
- the house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
- 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
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details on this page.
Apply online
You can apply and pay for a house in multiple occupancy licence on line or you can go to the House in multiple occupancy application form page where you can download an application form to complete and return the form with your cheque.
Once we receive your original application you may be required to provide additional information. We will contact you to request these details if required.
Tell us about a change to your existing HMO licence
Please contact us to advise us of changes to your existing HMO licence
Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
You may appeal to a residential property tribunal.
Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
Licence holder redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
You may appeal to a residential property tribunal regarding conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence.
Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
Consumer complaint
If a licence is granted and you wish to appeal against it being granted you may do so to a residential property tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.
Other redress
For example, about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.
Trade associations
British Property Federation (BPF)
National Federation of Property Professionals