Licence summary

If you rent out a property for housing in multiple occupancy (HMO), you may require a licence from your local authority.  Once issued, a licence will apply to the premises for five years unless there is a change of licence holder, when a new licence will be issued.

Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation

Applications must be made to the local housing authority. For a list of licensed properties in Westminster see the 'List of Licensed HMO Properties' document at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility Criteria

A fee will be charged.  This will depend on whether any assistance is given by the local authority in the completion of the application.  What is the fee?

You must be a fit and proper person to hold the licence.   What does a “Fit and Proper person” mean?

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
• any proposed manager, having control of the house, is a fit and proper person to be the manager
• the management arrangements are satisfactory

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of 183 days from the date your application is confirmed as complete.

Application for a full licence

To apply, application can be made online for a licence by completing the form in this link: 

Apply for a house in multiple occupancy licence

Further information on completing the online application can be found in the Completing an Online Application document at the bottom of this page.

This must be submitted with the following attachments –

• Scale or sketch Floor Plans of Premises (mandatory). This plan must be produced to scale and show the layout of the HMO. It must include the size of each room.
• Fit and proper person assessment (mandatory). A statutory declaration must be completed and submitted with this form.
• Copy of Gas Safety Inspection and Test Certificate (mandatory / if there is gas at the property). Please provide a copy of the most recent Gas Safety Inspection and Test Certificate for the HMO premises.
• Copy of the Electrical Inspection Certificate (mandatory). The test certificates must also accompany this document.
• Copy of the Automatic Fire Detection Inspection Certificates (optional / if they are installed). Please provide the Automatic Fire Detection Certificate with the accompanying test certificates (If applicable).
• Copy of Emergency Lighting Inspection Certificate (optional / if they are installed). Please include the test certificates with the Inspection Certificate (If applicable).
• Sample copy of the Tenancy Agreement (Optional). This sample copy of the tenancy agreement must be intended for this property.

These attachments can be submitted electronically with the form or they can be sent by post.  If the latter method is used, your application will not be complete until all the required attachments are satisfactorily received.

The appropriate Licence fee must also be paid electronically at the time of on-line application.  The fee rates are £380 per sleeping unit/bedroom. i.e. a house with 4 bedrooms would cost £1520. Registered charities are exempt from the licence fee, but must still apply for a licence.

If you need assistance in completing an application an assisted fee can be paid. This is at the rate of £480 per sleeping unit/bedroom. The assistance given will ensure the application is correctly completed, such as drawing up plans etc.

Application where licence holder has changed

If the licence holder changes during the licence period, a full application must be submitted for the licence to be re-issued to the new appropriate licence holder.  In this circumstance, the full licence fee must be paid and a complete application submitted with all required attachments. For example, if the property is sold to a new licence holder, or if a new company takes on licence holder duties, a new application is needed.

Offshore Property Owners

Landlords who live outside the UK must appoint a UK based licence holder to facilitate proper management of the property. This will normally be the managing agent employed for the purpose of collecting rents and managing the property.

Application for variation of a licence

If circumstances regarding the HMO change during the licence period, e.g. number of letting units changes, the  local authority must be notified offline so that the licence can be varied.

Tell us about a change to your existing house in multiple occupancy licence

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.

Trade Associations 

• British Property Federation (BPF)
• National Federation of Property Professionals