Do you have an HMO? Do you know what your Local Authority deems an HMO as these are different in different LA areas.
Mandatory HMO licences
You must have a licence if you own a large HMO. A large HMO has:
- three or more storeys
- five or more tenants forming more than one household
Some councils require smaller HMOs or all HMOs in certain areas to have a licence as well. You should contact your local council to see if you need one.
It is an offence not to apply for a licence if your property must have one.
Getting a licence for an HMO:
Contact the local council where your HMO is located to get an HMO licensing application form. You would usually apply for a licence yourself, but if you use a managing agent they can apply for you.
When you apply, you must tell the following people who have an interest in the HMO:
- the owner of the HMO
- the future licence holder
- mortgagee
- long leasehold tenants
- any person who has agreed to be bound by the conditions of the licence
A licence will normally last for five years and will need to be renewed before the end of that period. A local council can shorten the time period if they feel it is necessary.
You will usually be charged a non-refundable fee when applying for a licence. You should contact your local council to find out how much the fee is, as they decide on the amount.
How a council decides to grant an HMO licence
Your local council will look at many things to help them process your licence application, like the suitability of the:
- HMO for the number of tenants
- facilities - kitchen, bathroom and toilets
- landlord - are they fit and proper
- management arrangements
Your local council must be satisfied that you are a suitable person to hold a licence, otherwise they may ask for someone else to hold it.