Houses in Multiple Occupation
Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) became mandatory in April 2006 with the introduction of the Housing Act 2004. This means that larger, higher risk HMOs will most likely require a licence, if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Five or more occupants
- Two or more separate households.
The Act also allows for additional and selective licensing of properties which means that particular types of properties, or properties in certain defined areas, will also have to be licensed.
In Rushcliffe, there is currently no additional or selective licensing. Licences can last up to five years and will have conditions attached to them that must be complied with.
For a licence to be issued the Council must be satisfied that the landlord is a fit and proper person. That satisfactory management arrangements are in place and that the property meets certain standards in relation to facilities and amenities. The owner and/or manager of a licensable House in Multiple Occupation is required to provide a current Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate at the time of applying for a new or renewal licence.
Within 5 years of a licensing inspection being carried out the Council is required to do a visit. This is to assess whether there are any hazards that warrant action by carrying out a housing health and safety rating system inspection.
The Council has a Public Register with information on all the houses in multiple occupation in Rushcliffe. Please see our privacy statement in regard to this register and the general privacy policy at Privacy Policy - Rushcliffe Borough Council. Details of how to view the register is at the bottom of this page.
Apply online
- House in multiple occupation licence - apply for a new licence online. This is an interactive form and is the most up to date version and should be completed fully prior to submission. Incomplete/partially completed forms or those amended by the applicant or not having a signed declaration may be rejected on submission for these reasons.
You can now apply online for a new premises or to renew a current licence. Please ensure you use the current application form available on the Gov.uk website.
Fire safety in HMOs
Whenever a housing health and safety rating system inspection is carried out, a fire risk rating is done. As part of the licensing process landlords will be asked to provide an adequate fire detection system. It will be recommended that adequate fire separation and emergency lighting is also provided.
Guidance on what you are likely to be asked to be able to achieve is available on the Decent and Safe Homes website. It must be noted that this is guidance and the type of detection and separation that is required must reflect the risk from the layout of the property, the length of tenancies and the behaviour of the occupiers that are resident at the property.
General information
If you rent out a property for multiple occupation you may require a licence from the local authority. The current fees are for a five year period.
Am I eligible?
Any house that is occupied by 5 or more persons who do not form part of the same household (a family) will require a licence.
The applicant will be the owner of the house or the managing agent. The details of all owners, managing agents and person with interest in the property will be required in the application form together with full details of the house including plans and certificates.
Will tacit authority apply
No.
Renewing current licences
You will be notified when your current licence is about to expire. To renew your licence, you can either download the renewal form or apply on line.
Apply online
- House in multiple occupation licence - apply for a licence renewal online. This is an interactive form and is the most up to date version and should be completed fully prior to submission. Incomplete/partially completed forms or those amended by the applicant or not having a signed declaration may be rejected on submission for these reasons.
You can now apply online for a new premises or to renew a current licence.
What happens next?
Once your application form and certificates have been submitted the authority will process the application and make arrangements for the property to undergo a full amenity check.
Once this has been carried out the Council will issue you a draft licence, you will have a minimum of 14 days to make comments on the this draft.
At the expiration of the above period the Council having taken into consideration any comments made will issue the licence with conditions if applicable. These conditions may require work to be completed at the premises and will allocate time scales when these must be carried out.
What if my application is refused?
If your application is refused, you should contact the Council to discuss the reasons and your rights as to make an appeal.
You may appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal regarding the conditions attached to a licence or to revoke or vary it. The appeal must be made within 28 days from the decision being made.
Consumer complaints
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first point of contact should be made with the service provider (the Council). If this has not worked and you are located in the UK then contact Consumer Protection or if outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Registers
Details of the prescribed content of the register are available here The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006
Registers are available on the online registers and selecting HMO's in the category section or upon request by emailing Licensing@rushcliffe.gov.uk.
Contact Us
Rushcliffe Borough Council Licensing team
Document List
RBC Fit And Proper Person Test Protocol
RBC HMO Amenity Standards Oct 18
Private Sector Housing Civil Penalties Enforcement Framework