HMO application forms

Applying for your HMO Licence

This is the main application page, and the forms you need to use if you are applying for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licence.

You can also use these forms to renew an existing licence which is about to expire, or has expired.

Please note the same fee is charged for both renewals and new applications.

If you have not held a licence before and are not sure if your property needs to be licensed, please contact us for advice at licensingrentedproperty@hastings.gov.uk before proceeding with the application process.

You will need to have the following details to hand in order to complete your application:
•    The address of the property being licensed
•    The names and contact details of any persons controlling or managing the property (licence holders and managers)
•    The names and contact details of any other persons who will be sharing responsibility for complying with the licence conditions
•    The names and contact details of anyone else who holds an interest in the property, for example mortgage lenders
•    Details about how the property is occupied and the accommodation and facilities within it that are under the control of the proposed licence holder
•    Information about any fire precautions in the property; fire alarm systems, fire doors and escape routes
•    Information about how the property is managed, and details of documentation, for example, certification for gas, electrical and fire alarm installations.

The application forms

The application comprises three parts, which are outlined below. You do not have to complete these at the same time, but your application will not be valid until all three parts have been submitted to us.

Part 1 – Control, Management and Ownership of the HMO

In this section of the form we’ll collect information about the person(s) having control of the HMO, and any other persons involved in the management. We’ll also ask some questions about how the property is managed.

Complete Part 1.

Part 2 – Property details

In this section of the form we’ll collect information about the HMO itself, including sleeping accommodation, amenities, occupancy and fire precautions.

Complete Part 2.

Part 3 – Fitness and Suitability of Management Arrangements

In this final section we will ask questions about the persons who are proposing to be the licence holders and managers of the HMO, to confirm that they are in each case fit and proper persons. We’ll also ask some questions about each person’s qualifications, competency and experience in managing HMOs. All persons who are named as a licence holder or manager in Part 1 of the form will need to complete Part 3.

Complete Part 3.

Documentation

As we are currently upgrading our back-office systems, it will not be possible to upload documents directly via the application process at this time. However, the application form includes a section about certification which you must complete to inform us which documents you have already provided, and which you will be submitting to us. Once we receive your application, we’ll contact you to advise which other documents you need to send to us, which can be done via email.

Payment of the fee

Once you have submitted all three parts of the application form, we will raise an invoice for the Part 1 fee, which you must pay in order for us to process your application further. 
We will invoice you for the Part 2 fee if we decide to grant your licence. If the application is refused you do not have to pay the Part 2 fee. Check the table of fees

What makes a valid application?

•    All three parts of the forms above must be fully completed
•    All certificates and documentation must be provided on email
•    All fees must be paid.

If you continue to operate an HMO without submitting a valid application, you commit an offence under Section 72 of the Housing Act 2004, and may be liable to financial penalty or prosecution.