HMO licences

HMO licences for houses with multiple private tenants

In order to ensure multiple occupancy homes are of a decent standard, landlords will need a HMO licence if a property has:

• Three or more storeys (this includes cellars, basements and loft conversions).
• Five or more tenants forming more than one household.

We have produced a HMO guide for landlords where you can find out more information.

• Download the HMO guide for landlords.

How to apply for a HMO licence

Your application will only be valid if it is completed correctly, full payment is made and the required supporting documents are included.

• Apply for an HMO Licence online.
• Download the pre-application questionnaire to work out if you need a licence.
• Download and complete the HMO licence application form and return to the address shown on the form.

Supporting documents

Copies of the following documents must be attached to your online application, enclosed with a postal application or attached to an email if submitting via email:

• A signed and dated letter of authorisation (if applicable) if the owner's main residence is outside the UK. This is the owner's written and signed consent for the licence holder to complete the declaration in this application.
• Licence holder proof of identification (i.e. current driving licence, passport, National Insurance document or Companies House registered address).
• Licence holder proof of address (i.e. bank or building society statement, tax correspondence, council tax bill, business rates bill, utilities bill). Documents must be recent.
• Planning Listed Building consent (if relevant).
• Building Regulations approval or completion of certificates relating to any substantial building works or conversions (if relevant).
• Management contract with the owner.
• Valid electrical installation certificate (up to a period of 5 years).

OR

• Valid periodic inspection report of the existing electrical installation (copy acceptable for submission of application. Originals will be requested at a later date).
• Valid fire alarm test certificate.
• Valid services contract for the fire alarm system.
• Valid emergency lighting test certificate (if applicable).
• Landlord's gas safety certificate (if applicable). Copy acceptable for submission of application. Originals will be requested at a later date.
• Valid portable appliance test certificate by a competent person.
• Sample of the current tenancy agreement (copy acceptable for submission of application. Originals will be requested at a later date).
• Current lift safety certificate (if applicable).

Fees

Please see our schedule of fees.

How to pay

Paying for online applications

Use thepay onlinefacility once you have completed your online application. Please note that you will need the online application reference number which you will get once you have completed your application.  When you enter the online payments system, select 'Licensing'  from the drop down menu on the payments page and follow the on screen instructions.

Paying for postal or email applications 

Please send a cheque made payable to Liverpool City Council. Please write your name and the address of the property that is to be licenced on the back of your cheque and send it to:

Public Protection Division,
HMO Licencing, 
Municipal Buildings,
Dale Street,
Liverpool,
L2 2DH.

HMO licensing register

The council must maintain a public register of all the premises licensed as a house in multiple occupation.  A basic copy of the register is available to download below.

• HMO licensing register (as of 05/12/2011).

If you have any enquiries about a property which has been licensed or which you feel should be licensed and is not, please contact us.

Tacit consent

No tacit consent does not apply. The city council does not grant a licence until the applicant is proved to be ‘fit and proper’ as defined by the Housing Act 2004.

Appeal

Any appeal is submitted to the Residential Property Tribunal; http://www.rpts.gov.uk/.  From refusal of application there is 28 days to appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal.

Renewal process

Variations to Licences are requested and granted after payment of the fee – contact the City Council’s HMO Licensing Team.

Reminders are sent to the Licensee when a renewal is due.