Apply for, renew or change an HMO licence
If you own or manage a house in multiple occupation (HMO), you may need a licence.
Licensing helps make sure that HMOs are safe, well managed and meet the required standards for tenants.
How long licences last
Licences are usually granted for a period of up to 5 years. In some cases they may be granted for a shorter period, for example, if the landlord or agent has a history of enforcement or non-compliance.
What counts as an HMO
Failure to obtain a licence for a licensable HMO is a criminal offence. Landlords who do not comply could face:
- an unlimited fine
- a banning order
A licence is required when a house in multiple occupation (HMO) is occupied by 5 or more persons in 2 or more households.
On 1 October 2018 the scope of mandatory HMO licensing was extended. It now covers all HMOs with 5 or more persons, including, for example:
- flats
- bungalows
- two-storey properties
The details are contained in the Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018
We have a booklet which tells HMO owners about the amenity standards we expect: Guidance on Standards for HMOs.
Fees
Fees are payable in 2 stages:
- an application fee of £500 which is paid as part of the application and is non-refundable
- a licence fee which needs to be paid in full before a licence can be issued
The fees are for properties with 5 bedrooms. For each additional bedroom there will be a fee of £50.
| Application type | Proactive application | Application through enforcement | Proactive application from landlord associated member |
|---|---|---|---|
| New and renewal | £1,050 | £1,575 | £998 |
| Enforcement charge | hourly rate | hourly rate | hourly rate |
| Copy of licence/documentation | £44 | £44 | £44 |
| HMO advice visit | £184 | £184 | £184 |
| Variation of licence | £184 | £184 | £184 |
Submit an application
We only accept online applications.
You're allowed to operate the HMO while your application is being processed, pending an inspection by officers.
Firstly, read the guide to HMO licensing.
You'll also need to print and complete the declaration of applicant (DOCX, 164 KB), which should be uploaded at the end of the application.
The declaration needs to be completed by:
- the proposed licence holder
- the proposed manager
- the person having control of the property
Apply for a new HMO licence
Submit a new application for an HMO licence.
Renew an HMO licence
You can renew an HMO licence online.
After you've applied
We process the applications in the order in which they are received.
Once you have completed your application, we'll arrange an appointment to inspect your HMO. After this, we'll prepare a proposed HMO licence for consultation with all interested parties.
Changes to a licensed HMO
A landlord must notify Buckinghamshire Council of their intention to change the use of the property, for example, if they intend to:
- sell the property with vacant possession
- convert into self-contained flats
- carry out major renovation works
- let to a single household or family
In these circumstances, the council may serve a temporary exemption notice, which lasts 3 months. During this time the house does not need to be licensed.
At the end of the period, the property must be licensed if it remains a licensable HMO, or it must stop being an HMO.
In exceptional circumstances, a second temporary exemption notice may be served for an extra 3 months.
The council can decide not to serve a temporary exemption notice. In this instance, the person who gave the notification must be served with a notice of this decision.
The notice should include:
- the reasons for the decision
- the date on which the decision was made
- information about the right to appeal against the decision
Pay additional HMO fees
If we've asked you to, you can make additional payments online.
This is not your Application Fee which will be taken as part of the online application.
Contact us about HMO licensing
If you need help with HMO, contact us via email: [email protected]