An introductory guide for landlords, agents and tenants on licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under the Housing Act 2004.
If you rent out a property you may need a property licence. Without one you could be fined up to £20,000.
It is now a criminal offence for landlords to run properties requiring a licence if a valid application has not been submitted.
Landlords will be operating legally once they have made an application even if we have not granted the licence, unless we ultimately decide to refuse a licence.
Introduction to HMO Licences
The Housing Act 2004 introduced a new duty on local authorities to operate a licensing scheme for certain Houses in Multiple Occupation.
It is compulsory to license larger, high risk HMOs. The aims of the licensing regime are to ensure that HMOs are suitably equipped with amenities and facilities for the number of occupants residing in them, and are effectively managed by 'fit and proper persons'.
Licensing also ensures that local authorities have the information required to identify and target HMOs that pose the greatest risk under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), and therefore help to reduce death and injury from fire and other health and safety hazards.
Go to Related Pages for more information about the HHSRS. To download licence application forms and guidance, go to Apply for a licence.
