Licensing

If you rent out a property to a number of unrelated occupants who share any facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen you may be operating a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Some HMO’s require a licence where they consist of 3 or more storeys with 5 or more persons.  For more detailed information on which type of HMO will require a licence and other licensing information you can visit the local authority operated West of England Private Housing Information website.
 
A fee is charged for the processing of an application.

Eligibility criteria
You must be considered a fit and proper person to hold the licence. A licence is valid for a maximum period of 5 years.
 
Regulation summary
The main legislation covering this permission is the Housing Act 2004
 
Application evaluation process
There are specific questions that are considered on an application, such as:-

• 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
• Once an application has been processed there is a prescribed formal consultation procedure which allows the applicant and any other relevant parties to comment on the proposed conditions before the licence is formalised.

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 12 weeks of making your application please contact the Private Rented Housing Team. 

Apply online

• Apply for a house in multiple occupancy licence 
• Tell us about a change to your existing house in multiple occupancy licence 
• Apply to renew an existing licence

Downloadable forms and other documents

• HMO Licence Application (pdf, Apr11, 157k)
• Guidance on completing the form (pdf, Dec10, 67k)
• Information on fees for HMO Licensing (pdf, Apr11, 20k)
• Fit and proper person application (pdf, Apr11, 20k)
• Information on HMO licensing standards (pdf, Dec10, 116k)
• Code of good management practice (pdf, Dec10, 66k)

Failed application redress
Please contact our Private Rented Housing Team 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 our Private Rented Housing Team  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
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the licensee by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, contact our Private Rented Housing Team. 

Public Registers or Databases
The public register of HMO Licences is available to download here (pdf,65k)

Trade Associations

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

For more information contact our Private Rented Housing Team or view additional information about houses in multiple occupation at the West of England local authority operated website Private Housing Information.