House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) Licence

If you rent out a property for multiple occupation, you may require a licence from us.

Apply for a licence

Fill in the house in multiple occupation licence application form (opens in a new window) (PDF, 106KB) and send it to us with the appropriate fee.

Multiple occupation housing fees and charges (opens in a new window) (PDF, 29KB)

After an application for a licence, a notice of proposal will be sent to interested parties in the property (such as owners/mortgagee/freeholder etc), giving them 14 days to pass comment, or object to the conditions of the licence. A formal licence will be given after the time has elapsed.

No automatic consent is given if the applicant is not contacted within a certain time period.

Further information

Further information can be found by reading the following:

Houses in multiple occupation licence conditions (opens in a new window) (PDF, 34KB)
Licence fee explanation for landlords (opens in a new window) (PDF, 37KB)
What are houses in multiple occupation? (opens in a new window) (PDF, 45KB)

Criteria for granting a licence

The proposed licence holder (which can be the landlord or managing agent) are 'fit and proper' people
The property and the tenancy are managed appropriately
The accommodation meets all minimum standards such as sufficient number of toilets, kitchens and bathrooms for the number of residents

Licences may be issued with certain conditions attached.

Complaints

If you have a complaint about a HMO, an appeal to a revoked licence or failed application, then please contact us:

Harrogate Borough Council
Private Sector Renewal Team
Springfield House
Kings Road
Harrogate
HG1 5NX
01423 556899

privatehousing@harrogate.gov.uk

If you have an appeal to a failed application or an appeal to conditions attached to a licence, then you can appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.

Related Links

British Property Federation (BPF) (opens in a new window)

National Federation of Property Professionals (opens in a new window)