HMO licensing
Does your property have:
- 3 or more storeys, including basements and attics?
- 5 or more occupants, including children?
- shared amenities such as bathroom, kitchen, or toilet
facilities OR do any of the occupants have
an amenity that although dedicated to their sole use; is
NOT situated within their flat?
If you have answered yes to all of these questions, your
property must be licensed under the compulsory licensing scheme
introduced under the Housing Act 2004 with effect from
6th April 2006.
Operating an unlicensed HMO is a criminal offence that carries
a fine of up to £20,000.
To apply for a licence, please submit a completed
To grant a licence we must be satisfied that:
- the proposed licence holder and any manager of the property is
a fit and proper person.
- the proposed licence holder is the most appropriate person to
hold the licence.
- proper management standards are being applied at the
property.
- the HMO is reasonably suitable, or can be made suitable, for
occupation by the number of tenants allowed under the licence with
at least the minimum prescribed standards of amenities and
facilities. These include the number, type and quality of shared
bathrooms, toilets and cooking facilities.
Further Information
HMO section of
the Communities and Local Government
(CLG) website.
Service standards
(29 kb)
Last Updated on 3/29/2012