Why you should license your house in multiple occupation (HMO)
The application form for mandatory and additional HMO licences will be temporarily unavailable from 7 April 2024.
During this period, if you need to apply for a Mandatory or Additional HMO license, sign up for our updates.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Our team is working to minimise this disruption and to relaunch the application forms as quickly as possible.
From 1 October 2018, all HMOs with five or more occupants need to have a licence.
Benefits of licensing your HMO
Getting an HMO licensed means the property is safe and at a suitable standard for tenants. This helps landlords find and keep good tenants.
Landlords can also get various discounts on the fees.
You may also be eligible for a private landlord grant of up to £6,000 to cover 50% of works to bring your property up to standard.
What happens if you don’t license your HMO
It is a criminal offence to manage or control a property which should be licensed and is not. If your property is not licensed you could:
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face prosecution and an unlimited fine
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be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £30,000
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be told to pay back any housing benefit claimed on that property during the period of the offence.
Also, if a landlord or manager breaches conditions of their licence they could:
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face prosecution and an unlimited fine
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be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £30,000
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have their licence revoked by us, and we may take over the management of the HMO.