Houses in Multiple Occupation Licensing

If you are a private landlord or managing agent and let out a property as a licensable House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), that property must have a valid licence.

With effect from 1st October 2018, ‘The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018’, replaces ‘The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) (England) Order 2006’ (S.I. 2006/371). Its effect is that mandatory licensing will apply to HMOs that are below three storeys (as well as to those of three or more storeys) where the property:

• is occupied by 5 or more persons; and
  
• is occupied by persons living in two or more separate households; and
• who share an amenity such as a kitchen, toilet, bathroom or lounge
  

If the property consists of a mixture of self-contained flats and flats where the tenant has to exit their flat (usually through a communal area) to make use of an amenity, then this may require a HMO licence.

In addition, premises fulfilling mandatory licensing criteria, with commercial properties at ground floor level also require a licence.​

Apply for a HMO licence

Read the HMO guidance notes and application (PDF 483KB).

Complete the form and send it to us along with a floor plan of the property.

Apply for your HMO Licence renewal online

In addition to being able to complete a paper HMO Licence Renewal form (PDF 483KB), we now offer a quick and simple online application and payment option.

In order to renew your HMO licence you must be the holder of a currently valid HMO licence for the property and you will be asked to complete a statutory declaration stating that there have been no material changes to the property and that the licence holder details are the same.

Cost

A fee will be charged for your HMO licence. Do not enclose payment with your application - you will be invoiced once we have processed it.

See our licence fees page for details of costs.