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 521KB).

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

Leeds City Council
Housing Regulation team
HMO Licensing
Knowsthorpe Gate
Cross Green
Leeds
LS9 0NP

Apply for your HMO Licence renewal online

In addition to being able to complete a paper HMO Licence Renewal form (PDF 521.5KB), 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.

Apply for your HMO licence renewal online

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.

Check the Register	Check the Register	<div class="ExternalClass5E88C7F9CE4742FC9EFBF770FFEE5FDC"> <p> Check the <a href="/business/privately-rented-property/register-of-hmo-licences">HMO licence register</a> to see if a licence has been issued.</p><p>If you manage or operate a licensable property without a licence (or without having made a valid application) you will be breaking the law.</p><p>If you are a managing agent do NOT agree to manage a licensable HMO until you have confirmed a licence has been issued and is valid. </p></div>
HMO Licensing - Building control and planning	HMO Licensing - Building control and planning	<div class="ExternalClassF0F88CB3BDDD48B8A3E042736D92ACBA">The granting of a HMO licence is governed by The Housing Act 2004 which is separate from planning legislation. As such, a decision to grant a HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004 will have no bearing on any decisions made in the planning process. Therefore, you must seek separate advice on this matter. Further information regarding Planning and the Article 4 Directive can be found in our <a href="/council/Pages/Houses-in-multiple-occupation.aspx"><strong>HMO - Article 4 direction page</strong></a>. <br><br>For further information contact the HMO Licensing Team: Tel: <strong>0113 378 4698</strong>.<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start" style="display:none;"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end" style="display:none;"></span></div>
How long does it take to process my application?	How long does it take to process my application?	<div class="ExternalClass056B0A6C11F4424E9CCB42E17843A971">Taking into account the statutory consultation periods, we can usually have a licence issued within 6 weeks from receipt. If your application is incomplete or you do not pay your fee promptly, then it can take longer. We will not process your application until you have paid your fee. Your licence will not be valid until the fee is paid and as such, you could potentially be operating a licensable HMO without a licence or without having made a valid application.</div>
How do I make changes to my licence once it is issued?	How do I make changes to my licence once it is issued?	<div class="ExternalClassFC1EC834EA694DCFBD17B9180C7191AD"><p>If you wish to make any changes you must formally apply to us before these changes take place. A variation form for you to do this is provided in the <strong>Documents</strong> section. </p> <p>Changes do not include transfer of licence. Where a licensed property changes ownership, the new landlord must make a full application for a new licence in his/her name. No repayment of the licence fee will be made to the existing licence holder for any unexpired period of the licence. A reduced fee will be required from the new applicant which reflects the work already undertaken in respect of the property. This fee will depend on the time taken to process the new application and will be subject to a minimum charge of at least £175.<br></p></div>
What happens after I’ve paid my fee?	What happens after I’ve paid my fee?	<div class="ExternalClass5AF8C4E76239489CADF1B21B2C786B4C">We process your application which involves sending you and any partners/consultees a draft licence. We have to wait 16 days before we can issue you with a final licence. After you receive your final licence you have a further 28 days to make representations.</div>