Applying to licence a house in multiple occupation (HMO)
If you are a private landlord or managing agent and let out a property as a licensable House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), that property must have a valid licence. A licence will normally last for a maximum of five years, although it can be for a shorter period.
Kirklees Council is currently experiencing a high level of demand for HMO licences. As such there may be a delay, to the issuing of a HMO licence. Unless requested, please do not contact ourselves, except if the application is more than two months outstanding.
Houses that must have a licence
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 'household' (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It's sometimes called a 'house share'.
You must have a licence if you're renting out a large HMO. Your property is defined as a large HMO if all of the following apply:
- it is rented to 5 or more people who form more than 1 household
- some or all tenants share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities
- at least 1 tenant pays rent (or their employer pays it for them)
An HMO could be a:
- house split into separate bedsits
- shared house or flat, where the sharers are not members of the same family
- hostel
- bed-and-breakfast hotel that is not just for holidays
- shared accommodation for students - although many halls of residence and other types of student accommodation owned by educational establishments are not classed as HMOs
Apply or renew a HMO licence
Fill in our simple online form.
Clock Completing this form takes around 40 minutes.
PaperclipYou'll need to provide copies of the following:
- Name and addresses of proposed licence holder, proposed manager and any owner of the property
- Annual maintenance record for automatic fire detection system
- Gas Safety Certificate
- Electrical Safety Certificate
- Tenancy agreement
- Floor plan of the property - Example floor plan and sketch paper
- Energy Performance Certificate
After you've applied
We will acknowledge receipt of your application
We will check to make sure that everything you have sent in is complete and correct. If so, we will arrange an inspection of the HMO with you, to let you know of any works that may be necessary before it can be licenced.
You will be invoiced separately on completion of the online form.
Once we have processed your application we will enter details of your licence on a public register that the Council is obliged by law to keep.
Apply to vary a HMO licence
Fill in our simple online form.
Clock Completing this form takes around 10 minutes.
Fill formAfter you've applied
We will acknowledge receipt of your application to vary your licence.
The form will be processed by ourselves.
There is no fee charged for variation forms, so there is no invoice.
Your details will still be kept on a public register.
Further guidance
- GOV.UK: Private renting: Houses in multiple occupation
- GOV.UK: House in multiple occupation licence
- GOV.UK: Check your tenant's right to rent
- Shelters: Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
- Shelters: Landlord and tenant responsibilities for repairs
- GOV.UK: Model agreement for a shorthold assured tenancy
Contact us
You can call into one of our Customer services centres, telephone or email us at.
- Kirklees Council Housing Solutions Service,
- Address Huddersfield Customer Service Centre, Civic Centre 3, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2YZ
- Address Dewsbury Customer Service Centre, Walsh Building, Town Hall Way, Dewsbury, WF12 8EQ
- Phone 01484 221350
- Email housing.solutions@kirklees.gov.uk