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Introduction
If you are operating, or intend to operate a licensable HMO, you must apply to the Council for an HMO Licence. The application process for licensing generally follows the following steps, although the process may vary in certain circumstances, for instance if we need to clarify information in your application form, or your application form is incomplete.
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Download the forms
There are 2 versions of the HMO licensing application form:
HMO-254
This form is to be used for HMOs that contain sharing of facilities, such as kitchens, bathrooms or toilets (for example, shared houses, bedsits, hostels etc)
HMO-257
This form is to be used for HMOs that are buildings converted entirely into self contained flats.
Please ensure you complete the correct version of the form, as applicable to the type of HMO to be licensed. If you are unsure which version you need, please contact the the HMO team for advice before continuing.
Contact the HMO team if you would like a hard copy of the forms.
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Complete and return the form
Complete the application form, giving as much information as possible about the property, management arrangements and occupancy as possible. You must ensure that the form is signed by the proposed licence holder, and any other person or agent who you are proposing to manage the property.
Once completed, please return the application form to us at Aquila House.
If you have any difficulties or enquiries relating to completing the application form, please contact us.
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Acknowledgement of your application
When we receive your application form, we’ll make an initial assessment of the information you’ve provided, and within 7 days, you will receive a letter from us, acknowledging receipt of your application. At this point we will also let you know what the licence fee will be, and which supporting documents you will need to provide.
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Payment of fee
Shortly after we acknowledge your application we will send you an invoice requesting payment of your licensing fee. Instructions are included on the back of the invoice for the various payment methods. You can make payment online, by phone or by post.
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Supporting documents
Please submit the supporting documents specified in your acknowledgement letter. You can do this either by post to Aquila House, or by scanning and attaching them to an email to hmolicensing@hastings.gov.uk.
Please do not send original documents, as we cannot guarantee that we will be able to return them to you.
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Issue of Licence proposal
When all these steps have been completed, we will issue a ‘Proposal to Grant a Licence’. This is a pack of documents which includes a draft copy of the proposed licence, a statutory Notice of Proposal, and a copy of the conditions we propose to attach to the licence. Copies of this proposal will be sent to the proposed licence holder, the manager (if a manager is appointed), and any other persons who have an interest in the property. This includes freeholders, leaseholders and mortgage lenders.
The proposal provides a period of 14 days for all interested parties to make representations to us. If we receive representations within this time, and they are accepted, we will issue a new proposal, and a new 14 day period will begin.
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Issue of full Licence
At the end of the representation period, we will issue the full Licence Pack to you, and all interested parties, and your HMO is now licensed. This licensing pack will include laminated copies of your full licence, a statutory Notice of Decision to Grant a Licence, a further copy of the agreed licensing conditions, and a copy of the HMO Register Entry for your HMO.
We’ll also include in the pack some guidance booklets, which will include information and advice on managing and maintaining your licensed HMO.
