HMO Licensing

How to Apply

The application process for HMO Licensing is now entirely online. If you are completing your first application, please follow the steps below.

Step 1 - Create a My Hastings Account

If you have used the Council's on line services before, you may already have a My Hastings account. If not you can create one before you apply for the licence. You only need to complete this step once, and then you can log on to your account to apply for as many licences as you need.

You can create your My Hastings account.

Step 2 - Get your Fit and Proper Person Certificate

Once you're registered with My Hastings, you need to apply for your Fit and Proper Person certificate. This is an online declaration that you must complete to confirm that you have not committed offences or breaches that may affect your suitability to hold a licence. You only need to complete this step once, and then you can use your Fit and Proper Person Certificate for multiple applications.

If your Fit and Proper Person declaration is accepted, you'll be sent a certificate by email with a reference number beginning with WK/. Please make sure you have this number to hand when you apply for your licence.

If you've engaged an additional person or company to manage your property then they will also need to complete this process, and provide their certificate number to you, before you can apply for a licence.

Apply for your Fit and Proper Person certificate.

Step 3 - Apply for your licence

Once you've completed the above steps (where applicable), you can go online and apply for your licence.

You'll then need to provide information about your property, and how it is controlled, managed and maintained, so please ensure you have this information ready before you begin.

What are the different types of licence?

Non-compliant HMOs will only receive a one year licence.  Properties meeting our basic standards will receive a three year licence, and those landlords who can meet better standards than the basic standards will receive a full five year licence.

1. Licences will run for the full term for which they were granted.  At the end of the scheme any valid licences  will continue to run until their expiry date.
2. Applications will be online. This will reduce costs to the Council and to the licence holder.
3. Applicants will be able to upload documents (send them electronically) to the Council
4. Some documents will need to be sent as part of the application.
5. Fees will be flat rate of either £418 or £980 from the 1st April 2020, irrespective of the size of the HMO.
6. To obtain a full five year licence, managing agents must sign a declaration to confirm they agree to be jointly liable for complying with the conditions of the licence. 

Who is responsible for applying for a licence?

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

How much is an HMO licence?

There is a charge for a paper application form and/or invoice as opposed to payment on line of £50.

Licenses are non-transferable. Any new owner is required to make a new application

 What if I am unable to apply online or need help with my application?

A charge of £50 is applicable should you wish a paper application form or cannot make an on line application as you cannot make an on line payment. Alternatively for the same charge you can contact the Support Team who will fill in the application on your behalf.

Fire Safety Risk Assessment 

• A valid Fire Safety Risk Assessment (where there are common parts)(guidance can be found in this .pdf from gov.uk)

Changes to national HMO Licensing

New proposals extending HMO licensing to all shared houses and flats, with 5 or more residents effectively removing the "3 storey rule" were implemented from October 2018. 

Apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice

Under section 62 of the Housing Act 2004, the authority may, if they think fit, serve on a person having control, or managing an HMO, a temporary exemption notice where they satisfied that person is taking steps with a view to securing that the property is no longer required to be licensed. Please apply using our Temporary Exemption form HMO Licensing form. You must supply evidence for your reasons.

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 the form and posting or emailing it to us (details on form).

What happens if I sell my licensed property?

If you sell your licensed property you MUST let the Housing Licensing team know as soon as possible and tell us you want to revoke the licence.  If not the licence will be still be in your name and you may be liable if the conditions are not complied with. You will not get a refund for the remaining years