Houses in multiple occupation

The Government has issued guidance on fire safety to assist in understanding what has to be done for HMOs to comply with the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The intention of this guidance is to ensure that there is a consistent risk assessment approach in private rented properties by both Fire Services and Local Authorities.  Compliance with the guidance should in most cases also satisfy the HMO licensing requirement. 

It is a requirement that all HMOs (not just licensed HMOs) have a fire risk assessment conducted and the appropriate fire safety measures put in place. Further information on fire safety and how to do a fire risk assessment can be found on the Decent and Safe Homes in the East Midlands (DASH) website.

Before issuing a HMO licence we have to be satisfied that the property is suitable for the number of occupants applied for and that it is safe. The minimum space and amenity standards that all licensed HMO must meet are on the DASH website at the link below.

These standards vary depending on the type of HMO such as bedsits, shared houses (such as student houses), hostels etc. and cover:

• Minimum bedroom sizes
• The number of bathrooms and toilets required
• The minimum size of the kitchen / shared living space and the number of cooking facilities

It is a criminal offence to break any of the licence conditions or to not maintain a HMO in a safe and reasonable condition. The landlord / licence holder can be prosecuted for this offence and fined an unlimited amount.

All licensed HMOs will be inspected as part of the application process and a further inspection will be conducted approximately half way through the 5-year term of the licence.  We can carry out additional inspections if they deem it necessary (for example if complaints from the tenants are received).

If serious health and safety issues are identified we can take legal action to protect the occupants. This can include serving legal notices requiring the landlord to make repairs, or in the most serious cases it can conduct emergency repairs or close all or parts of the property.

All HMO licences must have mandatory conditions attached to them. These conditions cover issues including:

• The maximum number of occupants and households
• Gas safety
• Electrical Safety
• Fire safety
• Kitchen and bathroom amenities
• Management standards including the requirement for the licence holder to be a fit and proper person
• Landlord and tenant agreements

In addition we can add discretionary conditions where it is deemed appropriate to do so.

Fees 

Payments can be made by calling our customer service team on 01664 502502.

The fee reflects the amount of work that we are required to carry out on a standard application and the monitoring during the licence period.  There are reduced fees for applications to renew existing licences and for multiple applications received at the same time. The fee is split into two parts; the application fee covers the cost of processing the licence and is non-refundable if the application is not successful or is withdrawn.

There is a separate charge to cover the costs of the licensing scheme during the period of the licence, which is payable once a licence has been issued.  You may pay the whole charge together if you prefer. There are reduced fees where more than one application is made at the same time

The following fees are for the financial year of 2024-2025

New licences

Renewals