House in multiple occupation

On 6 April 2006, a new Act of Parliament came into force governing, among other things, licensing of hmo's.

The 2004 Housing Act, introduces the licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It is compulsory to licence larger, higher-risk HMOs. Councils may also licence other types of HMO to tackle problems in these smaller properties.

The current licence fee is £370 and, in Gloucestershire, a licence lasts for three years. Read more detailed information about mandatory licensing.

Also available for you to download are:

• the licence application form,
• details of the amenity standards expected in a house in multiple occupation,
• the management regulations which apply to licensable houses in multiple occupation and
• the fire safety guide produced by LACORS.

This page and the related downloads have been produced by all the district councils within Gloucestershire. You should contact the appropriate local council should you require any further information or advice. 

Eligibility criteria

Applications must be made to the local housing authority. A fee maybe charged. You must be a fit and proper person to hold the licence.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application evaluation process

Licences will be granted if:

• the house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
• the applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence
• the proposed manager has control of the house, and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
• the management arrangements are satisfactory

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from your local authority within a reasonable period, please contact them. For property within Cheltenham Borough Council area contact us.

Apply online 

Apply for a house in multiple occupancy licence

Tell us about a change to your existing house in multiple occupancy licence

Failed application redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. For property located within Cheltenham Borough Council area contact us.

You may appeal to a residential property tribunal. Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. For property located within Cheltenham Borough Council area contact us.

You may appeal to a residential property tribunal regarding conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence. Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.