Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Contents
Buying an HMO
HMO licences are not transferable, therefore if a property with an HMO licence has been sold, a licence holder has changed or if it is no longer an HMO, the licence must be revoked.
Your responsibilities after selling a licensed HMO
When a licensed HMO has been sold, the licence holder should apply to revoke their licence. Otherwise, you will still be legally responsible for complying with the licence conditions and carrying out any works required by Improvement Notices. This could lead to confusion and possible legal action against you.
If your application is still being processed
If an HMO application is still in progress but the property has been sold, then you should email [email protected] and inform us so that we can withdraw the HMO application.
The new owner or landlord must then apply for a new licence.
What happens if no new licence is issued
If no new licence application is received after the old licence has been revoked and the property continues to operate as an HMO, there can be serious consequences.
These include:
- prosecution and an unlimited fine
- financial penalty notices of up to £30,000
- rent repayment orders where you must repay the tenants their rent
- interim management orders where the council takes over the HMO
- being deemed not fit and proper and refused a licence
Planning and building control
You may also need planning consent and building regulation approval if you are changing the use of the property or undertaking works.
Last updated 19 September 2025