Private landlords and tenants

Apply for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence

A building or part of a building is deemed to be a house in multiple occupation (HMO) if it meets any one of the following tests:

  • The Standard test - any building in which two or more families/individuals share basic amenities for example bathroom, toilet or kitchen facilities
  • The Self-contained flat test - any flat in which two or more families/individuals share basic amenities  
  • The Converted building test - any converted building comprising one or more units of accommodation that are not self-contained
  • Certain converted block of flats test - any converted building, comprising self-contained flats that does not meet as a minimum the 1991 Building Regulations standard and less than two-thirds of the flats are owner-occupied

Licensing HMOs

We only operate mandatory licensing of HMOs that meet one of the first three tests above and where the property is occupied by five or more people made up of more than one household. A mandatory HMO licence is not required for self-contained flats in purpose built blocks of three or more flats. Licences last up to five years and include conditions relating to safety and management of the HMO for example including the following standard conditions:

  • Annual gas safety certificate submission.
  • Electrical installations, electrical appliances, and furniture must be in a safe condition.
  • Smoke alarms installed and kept in proper working order.
  • Written tenancy agreements for all occupiers.

Other conditions may be added that could place restrictions on the use or occupation of parts of the HMO or anti-social behaviour prevention.

Apply for an HMO licence

You could commit an offence if operating an HMO that is unlicensed where it is required, which can lead to prosecution with unlimited fines, rent repayment orders and loss of eviction rights.

When we are determining if it will grant or refuse the licence it will consider the following:

  • The proposed licence holder is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to be the licence holder
  • If the HMO is reasonably suitable for occupation by not more than the maximum number of households or persons
  • The proposed manager is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to be the manager
  • The proposed management arrangements for the HMO are satisfactory

Fees

Fees from 1 April 2025 are as follows:

  • new HMO licence - £779
  • renewal HMO licence - £699

Further information

Guidance on HMO amenity standards

For more information or to request a copy of the licensed HMO public register, email privatesectorhousing@tmbc.gov.uk.