The licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) was introduced in The Housing Act 2004 to make sure that:
- landlords of HMOs are fit and proper people, or employ managers who are
- each HMO is suitable for occupation by the number of people allowed under the licence
- the standard of management of the HMO is adequate
- high risk HMOs can be identified and targeted for improvement
Where landlords refuse to meet these criteria we can intervene and manage the property so that vulnerable tenants can be protected.
Licensing is mandatory for all HMOs that have three or more storeys and are occupied by two or more households.
Landlords who consistently refuse to license properties of this type could face enforcement action: read our HMO licensing policy for more information.
Apply
You can download the relevant application form from the Businesslink website:
- Application to licence a house in multiple occupation
- Application to change a licence for a house in multiple occupation
- Application to renew a licence for a house in multiple occupation
- 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
A fee of £570 is payable upon application.
Tacit approval applies, so you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us within 40 days.
Contact
If you have any questions about the licence or application process, please email the Licensing team at licensing@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 457879.
The postal address is PO Box 700, Cambridge CB1 0JH.
Evaluation
Licences will be granted if:
