House in multiple occupation (HMO) licence

Summary of requirements

If you rent out a property as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), which is three or more storeys and five or more people living as more than one household, you will require a licence from Wandsworth Council.

If you rent out a property which requires a licence but it is your intention to make the property one which no longer requires a licence, you must apply for a Temporary Exemption from Licensing, which can last for a three-month period up to a maximum of six months.

Eligibility criteria

Applications must be made to Wandsworth Council.

A fee is charged for the licence:

Note: There is a £300 discount off the standard fee if a full application is supplied with all supporting documents, plans and certificates.

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 Wandsworth Council must process your application before it can be granted. This is because the licence determines whether the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold the licence and whether the property is suitable to be multi-occupied.

However, after you have submitted your application for a licence you are able to operate a house in multiple occupation as if you have a licence until such time as the Council determines the licence.

If you have not heard from Wandsworth Council within 10 weeks, please contact the Private Housing section privatehousing@wandsworth.gov.uk.

What can I do if my application is refused?

If you have been refused a licence you may appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal:

Telephone: 020 7446 7700
Fax: 020 7637 1250
Email: london.rap@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.

What if I am unhappy with a condition imposed?

Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal (details above).

What if I have a query about my licence?

If you have any questions relating to your issued licence, please contact the Private Housing Section:

Email: privatehousing@wandsworth.gov.uk

European Services Directive

If you think that the Council has not complied with the European Services Directive by imposing requirements or conditions in respect of your application that are discriminatory, unfair, or disproportionate, please contact:

Email: solvit@bis.gsi.gov.uk

Other complaints

If you want to make non-consumer types of complaints about a house in multiple occupation, such as noise or health and safety, please contact:

Email: esd@wandsworth.gov.uk

Trade associations

• British Property Federation (BPF)
• National Federation of Property Professionals