Applications for HMO licences will be assessed and granted according to the following:

• the property must be reasonably suitable for the number of occupants or proposed number of occupants.
• the landlord or manager must fulfil the criteria of being a “fit and proper person”
• the landlord or manager must demonstrate that proper arrangements are in place for the management of the house.

We will send a copy of the proposed HMO licence to the applicant, letting agent, manager, mortgage company and other “interested parties” such as long lease tenants of leaseholders.

We usually issue licences within two months of receipt.

Fit and proper person

Before issuing an HMO licence, the Housing Act 2004 states that the proposed licence holder (and manager) of the property must be a 'fit and proper person':

• the proposed licence holder / manager should be of sufficient integrity and good character to be involved in the management of an HMO
• they should not pose a risk to the welfare or safety of their tenants

Proposed HMO licence holder

The proposed HMO licence holder must complete this fit and proper person check and submit it as part of the licence application: 

Fit and proper person check for proposed licence holder 

Proposed HMO manager

The proposed HMO manager must complete this fit and proper person check and submit it as part of the the licence application: 

Fit and proper person check for proposed manager

Licence period

Mandatory HMO licences are usually granted for five years (up to 20 May 2028 for Additional HMO licences). If the property does not have planning permission or there are known management failings, the licence period may be shorter. This will enable the landlord to address these issues and work towards a full, five year licence, with support from the HMO team.