House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) Licence

Licence summary

If you rent out a property for house in multiple occupancy (HMO), you may require a licence from your local authority.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications must be made to the local housing authority.

A fee maybe charged.

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?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period

Apply online

Apply for a house in multiple occupancy licence

Tell us about a change to your existing house in multiple occupancy licence

Failed Application Redress

Please contact your Local Authority 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

E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Trade Associations

British Property Federation (BPF)

National Federation of Property Professionals