What is a licensable HMO?
The licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018, came into effect on 1 October 2018 which extends the current mandatory licensing scheme across England.
Mandatory licensing applies to HMOs that are occupied by five or more occupants which form two households or more and meeting the “standard tests” (Section 254(2), or “the self-contained flat test” (Section 254(3), or “the converted building test” (Section 254(4) of the Housing Act 2004). In other words, a house, flat, a house converted into self-contained flats or units which does not meet the Building Regulations is a house in multiple occupation (HMO) if:
• it is occupied by five (5) or more people - adults and children are counted as people
• they form two (2) or more households - a household may be; either a single person, or several members of the same family all related by blood (up to first cousin distance), or marriage (or equivalent co-habiting arrangement)
• they share basic amenities - toilet, bathroom and/or kitchen
• it is their only or main residence or they are to be treated as so occupying it - includes full-time students and use as a refuge from domestic violence and
• rent is payable - or other consideration, e.g. accommodation provided instead of wages.
Apply for a HMO licence online
HMO applications can be completed online.
The HMO application fee is reviewed annually. For details, please view our fees and charges.
What information will I need to provide?
Information that will be required includes details on:
• the licence holder;
• the management;
• any other ownership details;
• the property itself.
To accept the application as duly made, the authority must receive the followings:
1. a fully completed application form (signed and dated);
2. a payment of the HMO application fee;
3. a floor-plan;
4. a fire risks assessment;
5. a photo ID (i.e passport and/or UK driving licence);
6. proof of address (two recent utility bills for the licence holder and manager);
7. a valid electrical installation safety certificate;
8. a valid gas safety certificate (if applicable);
9. a valid fire alarm testing certificate and/or declaration of regular check/maintenance;;
10. a valid portable appliances testing (PAT) certificate;and
11. a valid emergency lighting certificate (if applicable.
You may have to carry out the followings:
• an enhanced DBS check;and
• a Basic DBS check.
The Council keeps a public register containing some of this information.
HMO amenities and facilities guidance
Our HMO Licensable Guidance explains in more details of the statutory minimum legal requirements which should be read in conjunction with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Guidance for Landlords and Property Related Professionals and LACORS Fire Safety Guidance.
Public register of HMOs
We hold a public register of houses in multiple occupation. If you wish to view the register, please contact us.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
In line with The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, we publish a Statement of Principles. The document outlines the terms under which we enforce the law relating to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and how we penalise those landlords found negligent. The Gov.uk website also provides an explanatory booklet for landlords and tenants about the law.
Disputes
If there are civil matters related to tenancy agreements, illegal evictions or deposit dispute, the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber - Residential Property) is designed to settle them. More information is available at GOV.UK.
