House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

If you rent out a house in multiple occupation (HMO) which is occupied by five or more people forming two or more households, you will require a licence from Broxtowe Borough Council. If granted, a licence will last up to five years.

Apply Online

Apply for a homes in multiple occupancy (HMO) licence (Opens in a New Window)

Change in circumstances for a homes in multiple occupancy (HMO) licence (Opens in a New Window)


Are you Eligible?

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

In determining if a person is fit and proper for the purposes of the Act, the council must take into account:

  • Any previous convictions relating to violence, sexual offences, drugs and fraud

  • Contravention of any law relating to housing or landlord and tenant matters

  • Whether the person has been found guilty of unlawful discrimination

  • Whether the person has contravened any Approved Code of Practice

It is, however, a matter for the council to determine the relevance of these considerations (or other matters it considers to be relevant) in deciding whether or not a person is fit and proper.

How We Process Your Application

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
  • any proposed manager, having control of the house, is a fit and proper person to be the manager
  • the management arrangements are satisfactory

A full inspection of the property will be undertaken prior to a licence being issued.

Under Section 72 of the Housing Act 2004 a person commits an offence if they are a person having control of or managing an unlicensed licensable HMO and are liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine, or as an alternative to prosecution to a civil penalty of up to £30,000.  A person also commits an offence under Section 72 of the Housing Act 2004 if they knowingly permit more households or persons to occupy a licensable HMO than is authorised by their HMO Licence.  Under Section 73 of the Housing Act 2004 tenants and Local Authorities may seek a refund of rent, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit paid during the period in which the property was being operated as an unlicensed licensable HMO via a Rent Repayment Order.  No offence is committed by a person who has an outstanding duly made application either for a HMO licence, for a temporary exemption or where an interim or final management order is in force.

Find out more about Fees (Opens in a New Window)

Find out more about Appeals and Complaints (Opens in a New Window)

Regulations

View the Housing Act 2004 (Opens in a New Window)

View the Houses in Multiple Occupation and Residential Property Licensing Reform Guidance (Opens in a New Window)

Privacy Notice

View the Council's Privacy Notice (Opens in a New Window)


Contact
Private Sector Housing
tel: 0115 917 3082