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Houses in multiple occupation HMO

Date updated: 16/02/2023

Apply for a mandatory HMO licence

If you are a landlord of a house in multiple occupation, ie a house or flat shared by five or more people, consisting of two or more households, then you need to apply for a mandatory HMO licence.

Apply online or complete and return the HMO license application form.

Make sure you have read and understood the guidelines before applying.

HMO Guidance PDF (216KB)
Date submitted: 26/06/20
HMO Licence PDF (800 KB)
Date submitted: 9/11/21

Licenses require a fee which will be confirmed on application. Properties are required to meet the City of London minimum standards, please see the guidance on HMO standards.

It is a criminal offence to operate a house in multiple occupation without a licence and a fine of £20,000 may be imposed together with other measures allowed within the legislation.

This legislation came into force on the 6 April 2006: Mandatory Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation Part 2, Housing Act 2004 – Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) (England) Order 2006 .

The total fee for a HMO licence (new or renewal) will be split in two parts.

Please pay initial fee on application of £600

Fee on grant of licence will depend on the licence applied for.

  • Up to 5 lettings - £450
  • 6-9 lettings – £600
  • 10-14 lettings - £750
  • 15-19 lettings - £900
  • 20+ lettings - £1,050

Guidance notes are available from GOV.UK