Housing licensing

Please note:

Due to system upgrades our standard online application form is currently unavailable. However we do have temporary online forms available to use while a new integrated application form is being developed.

You can find these forms on our application page.

If you have a question about completing the forms, please call 01424 451031. You might find the answer in our frequently asked questions.

Owners and managers of HMO properties are required to ensure that the following conditions are met and maintained:

1. all HMOs meet the legal duties set out in the HMO managements regulations, 
2. all HMOs are appropriately managed by persons competent to manage the property 
3. persons managing the property have the required level of authority to respond to issues relating to disrepair. 
4. all HMOs should be free from any category 1 hazards.

Licences

Licences can be granted for a maximum of five years. We’ll use the information you provide in your application, along with the findings of our pre-licensing inspection, to determine the length of the licence to be issued and what conditions may apply to it.

Properties that meet relevant standards and have all valid certification will normally receive a full five-year licence. 

We may have cause to issue a shorter licence in some cases, such as where planning permission has not been granted, or we have concerns about the management or condition of the property in question.

•    Licences will run for the full term for which they were granted.  Before the license is due to expire, the licence holder/manager will need to ensure they apply for a new license before the current one expires. 
•    Applications will be online. This will reduce costs to the council and to the licence holder.
•    All relevant documentation will be required to be uploaded as part of the application process. 

Your application will not be considered valid until all required information has been provided and the full fee has been paid. If you operate an HMO without submitting a valid application you may be liable to financial penalty or prosecution under Section 72 of the Housing Act 2004.

•    While our temporary online forms are in place, documents and certification should be submitted via email to licensingrentedproperty@hastings.gov.uk. You should also complete the ‘documentation’ section of the application form to tell us which documents you will be providing to us.
•    Licence application fees will be determined by the size of the property, Please see further information below.

Who is responsible for applying for a licence?

In the case of a shared house type HMO, this will normally be the "person who collects the rack rent" (that is, the landlord or managing agent).

How much is an HMO licence?

Mandatory Licensing
The fees are calculated based on the number of letting units in the HMO, where a 10% uplift is applied to the standard fee for larger properties as follows:

The same fees apply for both new applications and licence renewals.

Licences are non-transferable. If a licensed HMO is sold to a new owner, they will need to apply for a new licence in their own name.

The Part 1 fee of the licence will be payable on completion of the application forms. The Part 2 fee will be payable if we decide to grant your licence. If the application is refused you do not have to pay the Part 2 fee. 

Apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice

If you intend to stop operating your property as an HMO, you can apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice. You must supply evidence of your reasons for applying and the council will consider your application. 

Please apply using our Temporary Exemption form HMO Licensing form. 

Am I entitled to a refund?

We will give you a refund if:
•    You make a duplicate application
•    You make an application for an exempted property by mistake.

We will not give you a refund if: 
•    We refuse your application
•    You withdraw your application
•    We revoke (take away) your licence
•    You are refused planning permission for a mandatory House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

What if I change my address or managing agent?

You can apply to vary your licence by completing this form and posting or emailing it to us.

What happens if I sell my licensed property?

If you sell your licensed property you MUST let the Housing Improvement and Compliance Team know as soon as possible and tell us you want to revoke the licence.  If you do not notify us, the licence will remain in your name and you may be liable if the conditions are not complied with. 

We do not issue refunds for un-spent licence periods (for example where a property is sold or ceases to be an HMO before the licence has expired).