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.

A licensable HMO is one where the property:

  • comprises 3 or more storeys
  • has 5 or more unrelated occupiers (consisting of 2 or more 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, properties let above commercial premises may require a HMO licence.​
​​

Apply for a HMO licence

Read the HMO guidance notes and application (PDF 447.4KB).

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

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 RegisterCheck 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>
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>
HMO Licensing - Building control and planningHMO 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>
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>

 

 

Fire safety principles for residential accommodationhttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/Fire safety principles for residential accommodation.pdf439462pdf
HMO Lic landlords guidehttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/HMO Lic landlords guide.pdf448334pdf
HMO Licence Advisory Notes 2017https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/HMO-Licence-Advisory-Notes-2017 .pdf462203pdf
HMO Licence Application Form and Guidance Notes 2017https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/HMO-Licence-Application-Form-and-Guidance-Notes-2017.pdf458140pdf
HMO variation request form 2017https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/HMO-variation-request-form-2017.pdf43132pdf
Microsoft Word - managing agents.dochttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/Managing agents HMO Licensing.pdf14932pdf
HHSRS – EXCESS COLDhttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/Space heating and insulation.pdf93335pdf
Advisory standards for houses in multiple occupation April 2017https://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/Advisory standards for houses in multiple occupation April 2017.pdf257629pdf
Do you need a HMO licencehttps://www.leeds.gov.uk/docs/Do you need a HMO licence.pdf285458pdf

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