I need to apply for a Houses in Multiple Occupation Licence

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.

Before you continue

If you are operating (or proposing to operate) an HMO in which 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, you may also require planning permission for change of use, or a certificate of lawful use. This is required under the Council's Article 4 Direction which was introduced in 2012.

Planning law is entirely separate from HMO licensing legislation, and it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that they comply with both requirements.
Issuing of an HMO licence, or acceptance of an HMO licence application, should not be interpreted as any planning permission being granted.

If you are unsure whether you need to apply for planning permission, please contact our Development Control team.

Application

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

Step 1 - Create your 'My Hastings' account (for Borough residents only)

If you live in the borough and have used the Council's online services before, you may already have a My Hastings account. If not, you will need to create one before you can apply for your 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. Please note that you do not need to complete this step if you live outside the Borough.

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.

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.