Many HMOs need a licence. Find out how to apply or renew a licence
A House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 'household' (e.g a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.
Anyone who owns or manages a HMO (including landlords and letting agents) in the Fenland district must have a licence from us if:
We will issue a licence when we have considered the relevant evidence and are satisfied that:
Properties rented to less than 5 occupiers that form two households and share facilities must comply with HMO regulations.
You can view the current list of licenced HMOs from 1 October 2018 on our Public Access system. Simply select 'Licences', enter HMO into the search box and click the search button.
A list of HMOs licenced prior to 1 October 2018 has also been published on this page.
If you are changing the use of a property to become a HMO, you may need Planning and Building Regulations approval.
Existing HMOs with 7 or more persons need planning permission.
The fee is £750. It is the same for new applications and renewals.
Before starting your application, please have the following documents available to upload:
As well as the above, you need to email the following documents to HMOlicensing@fenland.gov.uk:
You will be asked for your payment details at the end of the application. Please have your card details ready.
To avoid losing any details, we suggest that you save your application as you go along. You can do this by creating an account. This allows you to save and continue your application at a later date.
If you have any difficulties, email HMOlicensing@fenland.gov.uk. We will respond to you within 5 working days.
You will receive an automated confirmation email after you've completed your application. We will then assess your application.
If a property is licensable but hasn't got a live application, we will use our powers using the Civil Penalty process. This is explained in our Housing Enforcement policy.
If you think a property is operating as a HMO without an appropriate licence, please report it to us.
An owner or person in control of a HMO can apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN). This is for a licensable property that is not licenced and where steps are being taken to exempt the property from requiring a licence under Part 2 or 3 of the Housing Act 2004.
New regulations have introduced minimal room sizes and waste disposal provision requirements.
The minimum sleeping room sizes imposed as conditions of the licence are:
If the landlord doesn't meet the minimum room standards at the time they apply for the licence, we have a duty to give them a transitional time to comply with the requirements.
Landlords must ensure the dwelling has adequate waste disposal facilities. We expect landlords to comply with current
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal requirement on the 'Responsible Person' to ensure that a Fire Risk Assessment of the common parts of the HMO is carried out and displayed within the common parts of the dwelling.
This requirement forms part of the HMO licence conditions. Landlords must comply with this specification to avoid a breach of licence conditions.