HMO (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) Licensing

What is an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)?

An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a building or property which is rented out to more than 2 people who are not from the same ‘household’ (e.g. family).  There are different types of HMO properties:

Under the Housing Act 2004 an HMO is:

• an entire house or flat occupied by three or more tenants who form two or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet
• a building converted entirely into self-contained flats where less than two thirds are in owner occupation and where the conversion did not comply with the 1991 Building Regulations
• a house that has been converted into bedsits or other non-self-contained accommodation and occupied by three or more tenants, forming two or more households and sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet
• a converted house which contains one or more flats which are not wholly self-contained, and which is occupied by three or more tenants occupying two or more households
• HMO Legislation
  
  

Certain HMOs within Conwy County Borough Council are required to be licensed. Without an HMO Licence it is illegal for example to rent your property out to tenants or to serve eviction Notices.

An HMO that falls under the Mandatory Licensing Scheme must have a licence if: 

• it has three or more storeys AND
• there are five or more tenants living there AND 
• they form more than one household AND
• they share a facility (bathroom or toilet or kitchen room).

How to apply for an HMO Licence

Our new online process makes applying and renewing licences quicker and easier. As part of the ongoing modernisation of our licensing service.

The HMO Licence is valid for up to 5 years.

It is the responsibility of the either of the following to apply for an HMO licence:

• Freeholder
• Head Lessor
• Landlord
• Right to Manage Company
• Manager of the building.

Before you complete the application, please read our frequently asked questions in order to determine if your property is an HMO or not - FAQ's Licensing Billingual.

You’ll need:

• Completed Application Form
• GasSafe Safety Certificate for each Flat (issued within the last 12 months)
• Fire Alarm Inspection and Servicing Certificate (issued within the last 12 months)
• Emergency Lighting Inspection and Servicing Certificate (issued within the last 12 months)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report for the landlord supply (dated within the last 5 years)
• Separate Electrical Installation Condition Report for each Flat (issued within last 5 years)
• Energy Performance Certificate for each Flat (issued with last 10 years)
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate dated within the last 12 months
• Requisite licensing fee.
  
  
  Apply here

If you have further queries, or are not sure if your building needs to apply for a HMO licence, please email HMOLicensing@conwy.gov.uk.

How much does it cost?

HMO licences are typically valid for 5 years from the date of issue. The cost of a licence depends on the type of HMO being licensed (mandatory or additional licensing), and the number of persons, or units in the property.  You will need to apply for a new licence at the end of this period.

Licences are non-transferable - any new owner is required to make a new application. It is the responsibility of the freeholder of the HMO to apply to license the building.

If you already hold an HMO licence which is due to expire, it is your responsibility to approach the Council to renew the licence 2 months before the expiration of the current licence.

The licensing fee is either a one off payment (payable when submitting the application) or you can pay in two installments. The first instalment is payable on submission of the application. You will then be invoiced for the remaining amount on issue of the licence. There is an administration charge for paying by installments.

Payment

Payments can be made by either BACS, credit or debit card.  Please e-mail HMOLicensing@conwy.gov.uk providing your name, contact number and the HMO property address and an officer will get back to you.

The Council charges a fee in order to cover the administration costs of the licence procedure, and the resources to inspect licensable properties. Please note that any late and/or incomplete applications will incur an additional charge of £50 and possible prosecution being brought for failure to apply for a licence.

HMO standards

We are responsible for enforcing HMO standards.  If you live in an HMO and feel there are any unreasonable hazards which your private landlord is not dealing with, please report it here.

Minimum Licensing Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation

In accordance with Section 65, Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004, these are the Authority’s Standards for deciding the suitability for occupation of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The licence holder/manager is required to comply with these Standards together with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Operating Guidance, the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006, the Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Additional Provisions) (Wales) Regulations 2007 and the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (Rent Smart Wales).  

General Guidance

Please email HMO Licensing providing your name, contact number and the HMO property address and an officer will get back to you.