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.

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

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence - go to Communities and Local Government website.

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 local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it.  You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes Service or use the contact details below.

Apply online

Apply for a house in multiple occupation licence

Fees

The fee for a three storey HMO with up to five units of accommodation is £600 and £55 for each additional unit.

For further advice on fees please contact us on the email address below.

Failed Application Redress

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

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 your local authority in the first instance.

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.

Other Redress

E.g. about noise, pollution, etc.  Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Trade Associations

British Property Federation (BPF)

National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP)

Contact Details

Tel: 01992 564000

Email: privatesectorhousing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk