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Apply for an HMO licence

Landlords have a statutory duty to apply for a licence for certain properties that are in multiple occupancy (HMOs). If you own or manage a HMO, you may need a licence for the property. It is a criminal offence to operate a licensable HMO without a licence. Landlords who are caught can be heavily fined by the courts.

Check the criteria for HMO licensing.

How long do licenses last for?

Licences are normally valid for a period of five years. We may issue a licence for a shorter length of time if there have been:

  • Management deficiencies
  • Delays on returning application paperwork
  • The need for works to be carried out to put the HMO into a satisfactory condition
  • Concerns as to the fit and proper status of relevant people

We will discuss any concerns with applicants before we reduce the licence term.

How to apply or check if your property needs a licence

At present you only need to apply for a HMO licence for Mandatory HMOs. But, from 1 October 2025 a new Additional licensing scheme comes into force. This will require smaller HMOs and HMOs within purpose built accommodation blocks to be licensed.

See the criteria.

You can apply for a HMO licence using an online form or a downloadable, PDF form. Some applications must use the PDF form. See the details below the online form. You can also use the online form to check whether your property needs an HMO licence.

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Before you fill in this form

You will not be able to save this form to complete later. Please allow yourself up to 30 minutes to fill in the form.

We recommend using a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer to complete this form. You can complete it on a mobile phone, but the length of the form makes this difficult.

You will also need your payment card details to hand. A list of costs can be found at HMO licence fees.

Applications should be processed within 12 weeks.

You will need:

  • A payment card, Apple Pay or Google Pay*
  • Landlord's gas safety record – dated within the last 12 months and produced by a Gas Safe registered engineer, covering all gas appliances in the property
  • Domestic electrical installation condition report – dated within the last 5 years and produced by an electrical engineer registered with an organisation recognised by Part P of the Building Regulations 2000 (as amended). To qualify for the timely and compliant HMO licence fee, the report must be rated ‘satisfactory’
  • Certificate of Compliance (if applicable)
  • Any documents you think may help us process your application, such as a layout of the property, your fire risk assessment, or details of management arrangements

Apply for an HMO licence

Buildings owned and managed by private providers of large student accommodation

These are buildings were 15 or more students live in one building. They may be in rooms off a central corridor, cluster flats, or self-contained flats. The owners and managers are are members of and comply with, the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) National Code for large student developments or any approved code or scheme of compliance, as approved under section 233, Housing Act 2004. The 'National Code' refers to the ANUK Code of Standards for larger developments for student accommodation, not managed and controlled by educational establishments.

You are entitled to a 50% reduction on the fees. You will need to provide proof of scheme or code membership and compliance when you apply.

Downloadable PDF application form

Please complete the PDF application form or contact us to discuss your application:

Relicense an HMO property

Properties licensed under the mandatory HMO licensing scheme can renew this license. You must do this if you want to continue letting the property when the current licence expires. You need to apply for a license renewal two months before the current licence expires.

We will normally contact you three months before your license expires. We will you how to reapply. It is the licence holders responsibility to apply or reapply for a licence. We do not accept responsibility for late licence applications.

Contact us

For further information, see our frequently asked questions.

You can also contact us.

Document Type Size
HMO Licence Application Notespdf186.0 KB
HMO Licensing Application Form Section A and B 2013pdf209.5 KB
HMO Licensing Application Form Section C 2013pdf272.0 KB