House in multiple occupation (HMO) licence
If you rent out a property for house in multiple occupation (HMO), you may require a licence from your local authority. HMOs can be any building or part of a building used for living accommodation by more than two people who are not part of the same family, where they occupy the property as their only or main residence, where they share one or more basic amenities, and they pay rent for their accommodation.
Eligibility criteria
Applications must be made to the local housing authority. A fee may be charged.
You must be a fit and proper person to hold the licence.
Regulation summary
The Housing Act 2004 introduced a new definition of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Part 2 of the Act introduced the mandatory licensing of certain types of higher risk HMOs, and enables local authorities to establish discretionary additional HMO licensing schemes, subject to approval from the Secretary of State, to cover smaller types of HMO where management problems have been identified.
A full summary can be found on the Communities and Local Government website (external link)
Application evaluation process
Licences will be granted if:
- the house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
- the applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence
- the proposed manager has control of the house, and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
- the management arrangements are satisfactory
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the EHDC within a reasonable period, please contact us:
Tel: 01730 234334 email: pshousing@easthants.gov.uk
Apply online (external links)
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Failed application redress
Please contact EHDC in the first instance:
Tel: 01730 234334 email: pshousing@easthants.gov.uk
You may appeal to a residential property tribunal. Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
Licence holder redress
Please contact EHDC in the first instance:
Tel: 01730 234334 email: pshousing@easthants.gov.uk
You may appeal to a residential property tribunal regarding conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence. Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
Consumer complaint
If a licence is granted and you wish to appeal against it being granted you may do so to a residential property tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.