Licensing Online Application
Licence summary
If you rent out a property for house in multiple occupancy (HMO), you may require a licence from your local authority.
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) means a house that is occupied by persons who do not form a single household and where there is usually some sharing of facilities such as kitchen, bathroom or shared access. Examples of HMO include shared houses, bedsits and buildings converted into flats.
HMO properties play an important role in providing cheap and flexible accommodation in the private rented housing market. Unfortunately, many of the worst housing conditions can be found in these properties and due to the nature of occupation and typical layout of the buildings can pose a significant fire risk to occupants.
Additional safety requirements apply to all HMO properties particularly relating to fire safety, overcrowding and provision of amenities. The Council actively identifies HMO dwellings and takes action to ensure they meet the current standards, larger HMO properties are subject to routine inspection.
In late 2004 the Government introduced a mandatory licence scheme for HMO's consisting of 3 storeys or more and 5 or more occupants. If you own or manage such a property you should contact us with a view to registering your details, failure to apply for a licence may constitute an offence punishable by fine of up to £20,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications must be made to the local housing authority.
A fee maybe charged.
You must be a fit and proper person to hold the 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
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from Malvern District Council within 16 weeks, please contact us on 01386 565631.
How to pay online
The fee for a licence from 1 April 2021 has been set by the council and you will need to pay the full licence fee upon submission of your application, each licence could last for five years.
Houses in Multiple Occupation - Pay Online
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
You may appeal to a residential property tribunal.
Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
You may appeal to a residential property tribunal regarding conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence.
Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.
Consumer Complaint
If a licence is granted and you wish to appeal against it being granted you may do so to a residential property tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.
Other Redress
Anyone suffering nuisance due to noise, smells or similar because of a commercial premises should email Worcestershire Regulatory Services