Licences issued 

House in multiple occupancy licence 

• Eligibility criteria 

  Applications must be made to the local housing authority.

  A fee will be charged.

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

   

• Regulation summary 

  The Housing Act 2004 states that all privately rented accommodation where the building has 3 or more storeys, and there are 5 or more tenants in more than one household sharing facilities must be licensed.

  The local authority has a duty to ensure that properties are licensed, and maintained in accordance with the conditions of the licence.

   

• Application evaluation process 

  Licences will be granted if:

  • The house is of a standard whereby it is deemed safe for multiple occupancy. This is subject to a risk assessment and physical inspection of the property
  • The appropriate licence fee has been paid
  • 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 the Council within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or by telephoning 020 8215 3000.

   

• Apply online 

  • Apply for a house in multiple occupancy licence
  • Tell us about a change to your existing house in multiple occupancy licence

   

• Failed application redress 

  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 

  For problems with occupants relating to noise, pollution, or antisocial behaviour please contact the relevant department within the local authority as these issues are not covered in the conditions of a licence for a House in Multiple Occupation.

  For complaints relating directly to the management or standard of a house in multiple occupation property you may contact the Private Sector Housing section of the local authority for further investigation. Phone 020 8215 3002.