The basics of how to navigate the licencing process.
A HMO is defined by many councils as a property in which there are 3 or more unrelated tenants forming more than one household, sharing facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom.
There are different types of licencing for HMOs depending on the occupancy:
Additional Licencing: Some boroughs utilise Additional Licencing to keep track and maintain standards for HMOs occupied by up to 4 people.
Mandatory Licencing: This was amended in October 2018 to include all HMOs occupied by 5 or more people.
There are some occasions where licencing does not apply, so check your local council's website for their explanations, but the vast majority of HMOs will need one of the licences above.
Licencing is a very daunting and misunderstood concept for many landlords. It's often considered to be hugely complex and the council seen as a scary beast who will decline anything you put in front of them!
The truth is, from our experience, if you have done everything in accordance with their amenity standards and HMO requirements, there are no restrictions on what you've done or are planning to do (and if there are, you've got the relevant permission), then there are very few grounds on which the council can decline your application.
Once you've done the hard work getting the project completed to specification, the rest is a form filling exercise and liaising with the council for them to complete their visit(s).
Would you like our assistance?
If you'd like a helping hand through the process, we can help you through every stage from appraisal and conversion requirements all the way through to completing the licencing forms on your behalf.
Appraisal - If you haven't yet completed a full appraisal and you're looking to purchase a property, for a full appraisal (as detailed on the Free Appraisal Tips page) form, please click here.
Specification of Works & Compliance - If you would like us to put together a full specification of work for you (as detailed on the Specification of Work & Compliance page), please click here.
Licencing - If you have completed works on the property to the required HMO standards and you'd like us to complete the licencing forms and liaise with the council on your behalf, please click here.
Management - We can manage your property on an ongoing basis, on a Full Management or Guaranteed Rent arrangement.
Speak to one of our HMO experts today on 0333 577 8123 or email info@cslets.co.uk. www.cslets.co.uk
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