Homes in multiple occupation - licence
The landlord or person having control of or managing homes in multiple occupancy which are 3 or more storeys high and are occupied by 5 or more people must apply to the local authority for a licence.
The Council is responsible for checking Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to make sure they are in a satisfactory condition, are safe, have satisfactory means of escape from fire, have sufficient bathrooms and kitchens, have adequate space and proper management.
The scheme will allow us to require minimum standards and properly monitor HMOs.
What is an HMO?
A House in Multiple Occupation is a house, which is occupied be people who do not form a single household. Examples include:
- a house let as individual bedsitting rooms
- a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
- hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
- lodgings, and shared houses
- houses converted into self-contained flats.
Exemptions
The following HMOs will not have to apply:
- registered social landlords (such as housing associations)
- houses registered under the Children Act 1989, Registered Homes Act 1984.
- educational establishments
- Health Service accommodation
- local authority owned property.
What are the standards?
A HMO will have to meet the Council's standards. These standards include:
- means of escape In case of fire and other fire precautions
- amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms toilets and wash hand basins
- overcrowding with regards to the number and size of rooms
- general fitness for occupation
- management standards
- gas safety
- furniture fire safety.
Who needs to apply?
‘The responsible person' - i.e. the landlord or person having control or managing a HMO must apply to the Council and pay the appropriate fee.
It is an offence under the provisions of the Housing Act 1996 not to register a HMO.
Fees payable
| Licence for House in multiple occupation - initial application | £400 |
| Licence for House in multiple occupation - 2nd and subsequent properties | £315 |
| Service of improvement notice/prohibition order | £250 |
The licence lasts for 5 years and is renewable at the end of the term.
To obtain further information and an application form, please contact us or use the online form.