Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Contents
Apply for a new HMO licence
We have moved to a new case management system and online system for licence applications. During this time, there may be short delays in responding to enquiries.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Before you apply
To make a licence application valid we need to receive:
- a fully completed application
- a signed declaration
- the part 1 fee, paid in full
Licence holders and managers (if identified) can be the landlord, manager or another person or body who has control of the property.
They must:
- be over 18 years old
- pass the 'fit and proper person' test
- not live abroad
- not be in prison
If any of the above apply, then another person or body will need to be appointed as the licence holder and manager.
Applying for a new HMO licence
On 8 June 2027, the way you apply for an HMO licence will change. If you are making a new or renewal application, you will need to register and apply through a new portal.
Once you are registered, select the ‘Licensing’ option and then choose ‘Houses of Multiple Occupation’. You will be asked to complete details, upload documents, and pay the first part of your application fee.
Please follow the guidance notes at the start of your application. The process is the same when applying for a new application or a renewal.
Please do not use any saved links to apply for a licence under the old system. You will be asked to reapply under the new system.
Charges
Our fees and charges policy contains information on which licence fee is applicable to your application. The total fee will depend on the number of persons the licence will permit to occupy.
The Part 1 fee must be paid when you make the application. This covers the initial cost of processing the application. Your application will only be processed if you have paid your fee.
The Part 2 fee must be paid within 14 days of “notice of intention to grant a licence”. This fee covers the cost of enforcing licence conditions. Your licence will not be issued until you have paid this fee.
Refunds
Stage 1 fees for withdrawn applications are not refundable.
If you withdraw your HMO licence application, and it is subsequently found that you are operating the property as an HMO, you will be required to make a new application. You may be subject to formal enforcement action for operating an unlicensed HMO.
Duration of licence
An HMO licences may be granted for a maximum of 5 years.
The length of the HMO licence may be reduced, from 5 years to an appropriate lesser period. Our Enforcement Policy provides examples of when a licence term may be reduced.
How long it will take to issue a licence
We aim to issue a new HMO license within 26 weeks of your application. The process may take longer if a representation is made against the issue or terms of the draft licence.
If you have not heard from us within 20 weeks, please email us at [email protected]
Please note that ‘Tacit Consent’ does not apply, given that we must check the HMO meets the prescribed standards, including whether we need to inspect the property to confirm it is suitable for licensing.
In the interest of public safety, each licence application will be given full consideration by the council before it is approved or rejected.
HMO licence pre-application advice visit
If you are a landlord thinking about converting a property into an HMO, you can arrange for us to visit to advise you on the HMO licensing requirements before you complete works or apply for a licence.
There is a charge for this service, for more information see the Private Sector Housing fees and charges.
To request a visit, please email [email protected].
Last updated 30 June 2026