Hmo licence what is it

These checks are done to ensure there are no health and safety breaches. The property must be well-maintained with adequate fire safety measures. You can find out more about fire safety requirements in HMOs here. An HMO does not have to remain that way permanently. They can prosecute you if you illegally evict HMO tenants with a view to converting the property back to a single-use dwelling.

If you need to make structural alterations to change it back to a single-family dwelling, you may need to apply for planning permission first. Verify this before you start converting your HMO into bedsits and self-contained flats. You might be eligible for a partial refund on your HMO licence.

As already mentioned, councils do check up on HMO landlords, to make sure they are operating their properties correctly. Councils can also revoke the licence. If they do this, they must inform you in writing and give you 14 days to respond.

They may make an interim management order if the property still needs to be licenced. They can also do this if the landlord is not considered a suitable person to be in charge. Tenants can check if a landlord has a valid HMO licence. All they have to do is contact the local housing department, as they have a list of licenced HMOs. HMOs require careful management and are not usually a popular business model with inexperienced landlords. If you are thinking of switching to the HMO model, make sure you understand your responsibilities related to licencing and other areas.

If you make a mistake and fail to carry out your statutory duties, it could be an expensive error. This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more about cookies on this website and how to delete cookies, see our privacy notice. Decline Settings Accept. Landlord Insider. Brought to you by the excellent team behind the Landlord Vision property management software.

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Licence House in multiple occupation licence. Your property is defined as a large HMO if all of the following apply: it is rented to 5 or more people who form more than 1 household some or all tenants share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities at least 1 tenant pays rent or their employer pays it for them Even if your property is smaller and rented to fewer people, you may still need a licence depending on the area.

You must renew your licence before it runs out. Related content House in multiple occupation licence Scotland Private renting Register a house in multiple occupation Northern Ireland. Brexit Check what you need to do. Explore the topic Licences and licence applications.

Is this page useful? Request It. The Landlord must be a 'fit and proper' person to hold the licence. The property is, or can be made suitable for use as an HMO. Application Evaluation Process HMO Licences will be granted under delegated powers for a three-year period if: the property is suitable for use as an HMO the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person to hold the licence any day-to-day manager is a 'fit and proper' person to manage the property no objections have been received by the Council.

Failed Application Redress If the Council's Licensing Committee refuses an HMO Licence application, the applicant has a right of appeal by way of summary application to the Sheriff Court, within 28 days of the decision being made. Licence Holder Redress If the Council's Licensing Committee refuses an HMO Licence application, the applicant has a right of appeal by way of summary application to the Sheriff Court, within 28 days of the decision being made Consumer Complaint If you object to the HMO Licence application and the Council's Licensing Committee approves the application, you have a right of appeal by way of summary application to the Sheriff Court within 28 days of the decision being made, provided that you attended the meeting of the Licensing Committee.