Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to all HMOs of three or more storeys and occupied by five or more persons forming more than one household.

It is an offence to operate a House in Multiple Occupation which meets the licensable criteria without a licence.

Further guidance for landlords and managers is available in the Communities and Local Government's Licensing of HMOs booklet.

Licence fees

The licence fee for a House in Multiple Occupation is from £118 per unit of accommodation. A unit of accommodation is a room that could be used as sleeping accommodation. This includes bedrooms and living or dining rooms that, without alterations, can be used as bedrooms.

As an example, if your property has six bedrooms and a lounge and dining room that can realistically be used as bedrooms, your fee will be £944, i.e. £118 x 8 rooms

Variations

A variation is required in situations such as:

• Where there is a change of address for the licence holder;
• Where the manager (who is not the licence holder) changes;
• Where there is a change in the maximum number of occupants at the HMO;
• Where the number of rooms at the HMO changes.

Licence holders are responsible for informing the Council that a variation is required. Failure to notify the Council of relevant changes constitutes a breach of the licence conditions.

Apply online

You can apply for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence online on the GOV.UK website.

If you prefer to complete a paper application, please use the contact details on this page to speak to the team.