Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO)

If you rent out a property as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), you may require a licence.

Eligibility

Applications must be made to the local housing authority.

A fee will be charged.

You must be a fit and proper person to hold the licence.

Regulation summary

• A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Application evaluation process

Licences will be granted if:

• the house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
• the applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence
• the proposed manager has control of the house, and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
• the management arrangements are satisfactory

Fees

The mandatory HMO licensing fee is £976 for a 5 year licence per property. The fee is paid in two parts:

• An initial non-refundable payment of £288 must accompany the application
• If the application is approved, the remaining £688 must be paid prior to the issue of the licence
• Pay online - Choose the payment you wish to make. Follow the instructions and provide a copy of your receipt with the application form

How to apply

• Apply online for a house in multiple occupation licence
• Apply by post for a house in multiple occupation licence

The application form should be downloaded from one of the above links first and then opened with Adobe reader,  or it will not open. Follow the instruction message if the document does not open.  

All applications must be made with the following supporting documentation, without which the application will not be validated: 

• Floor plan showing accurate dimensions of all rooms and the position of fire precautions and smoke/heat detector. 
• The current Gas Safety Certificate (as applicable) 
• The current Electrical Installation Condition Report.
• A schedule  showing the last Portable Appliance Testing carried out on electrical equipment/appliances provided by the landlord.
• The current certificate of compliance and testing for any grade A fire alarm system installed. 
• The current certificate of compliance for any emergency lighting in the HMO.
• A Fire Risk Assessment for the property, reviewed within the last year. 

Applications can be scanned and e-mailed to environmental.health@stroud.gov.uk or posted to Environmental Health, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB.  W

Once an application is received it will be processed within 8 weeks.