How long does an HMO license last?

Asked by: Crystal Toy  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (2 votes)

HMO licences are valid for five years at a time and you'll require a separate licence for each HMO you're running.

Do HMO Licences expire?

A licence is valid for a maximum of 5 years. You must renew your licence before it runs out. You need a separate licence for each HMO you run.

Do I need a HMO licence for 3 tenants?

Do I need to get an HMO licence? Since the rule changes made in October 1 2018, all HMOs must have a licence. You must apply for a licence if 3 or more unrelated people occupy at least two different households.

How much does a HMO licence cost?

The standard HMO licence fee is £1,100,split into two payments. For larger HMOs with more than ten units of accommodation the fee is increased by an extra £50 for each additional unit of accommodation in excess of ten. NB For very large HMOs there is a maximum fee of £6,000.

Is a HMO licence transferable?

Can you transfer a mandatory HMO, additional or selective licence to a new owner? ... When you purchase a rented property, the old licence is no longer valid. It cannot be transferred into your name. This is not down to the rules imposed by your local authority but to the legislation implemented by government.

HMO Rules, Regulations and Legislation!

26 related questions found

Can 3 friends rent a house together?

And, as you have found, most lenders won't allow multiple tenancies where each tenant signs a separate agreement. ... That doesn't mean that you can't let the house to three different people, but it does mean that they should all be named as joint tenants on one tenancy agreement.

Can a HMO licence be revoked?

You can apply to revoke a HMO licence if the property no longer requires a mandatory licence, for example: The property is now occupied by a single family. The number of occupiers is less than five. The property is to be sold therefore you are no longer the relevant person to hold the licence.

Are HMOs profitable?

Why choose HMO rather than a buy-to-let property? When compared to standard buy to let rental properties, on an HMO you should expect a minimum of 12% gross yield, and on average a likely 15% realistic gross yield. That is why an HMO investment can give you a life of luxury in retirement.

Are HMO good investment?

As a landlord or property investor, the chances are that you know HMOs can make for great investments. Not only do they offer the highest rental yields on the market, but demand for affordable housing has never been higher, meaning you'll have no trouble filling your rooms.

How long does it take to get a HMO licence?

We aim to process applications within 3 months of receipt of a valid application. If there are any delays, you can view the progress of the application by logging into your licensing portal account.

Can you live in your own HMO?

It's a common misconception that the HMO regulations only apply to flatshares where the landlord doesn't live in the property – it's perfectly possible to have an HMO as a live in landlord too.

Do I need a HMO licence for 4 rooms?

HMO Licensing

If your property is let to five or more tenants from more than one household, some or all of the tenants share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities and at least one tenant pays rent, then your property will be considered as a large HMO and will need a licence.

Do all HMOs need a licence?

Mandatory HMO licensing does not apply to all HMOs. It is restricted to certain larger properties under Part II of the Housing Act 2004 – an estimated 220,000+ properties.

Do flats need HMO licence?

HMOs include house and flat shares, student homes, bedsits and some buildings converted into flats. For properties that contain occupiers that form 2 or more households and share amenities such as kitchen, bathroom, living area and any communal space require a HMO licence.

What is HMO renewal?

HMO Licensing looks at both the HMO itself, the owner and any proposed manager. The Authority will renew a licence if it is satisfied that: The HMO is still reasonably suitable for occupation by the number of people allowed under the licence. The proposed licence holder is still regarded as a “fit and proper person”

Can a 2 bedroom flat be an HMO?

Since the Housing Act of 2004, all HMO's (Houses of Multiple Occupation) have fallen under the regulations of the act. The regulations cover any investment property where two or more unrelated people share – so even if you have a 2-bed flat and you have 2 unrelated people sharing it; its technically a HMO.

How do HMO make money?

HMOs try to keep health care costs down. For example, HMOs decide how much they'll pay for each service. Then they contract with doctors and hospitals who agree to accept those payments. In some cases, HMOs pay doctors a fixed amount each month for each patient they see.

What are the disadvantages of an HMO?

Disadvantages of HMO plans
  • HMO plans require you to stay within their network for care, unless it's a medical emergency.
  • If your current doctor isn't part of the HMO's network, you'll need to choose a new primary care doctor.

Do you need planning permission to turn a house into a HMO?

The quick answer is: no, often you don't need planning permission to convert a property to an HMO.

Do HMOs increase value?

The Property is Worth More:

If you've owned the HMO for a long time, chances are that with the demand rising for HMO properties so much in recent years, it's going to be worth a lot more now compared to when you bought it.

How do I invest in HMO?

Top Tips for Investing in an HMO for Newbies
  1. Focus On the Location. If you don't have a property and are considering buying one for an HMO, focus on getting the location right to attract tenants. ...
  2. Optimize the Size of the HMO. ...
  3. Resist the Temptation to Mix Different Kinds of Tenants. ...
  4. Conclusion.

Can a flat be a HMO?

When is a Flat an HMO? An individual flat within a block of flats will be an HMO if it is let to 3 or more tenants in two or more households.

How do you lose a HMO Licence?

Reasons for revoking a licence
  1. you are not a fit and proper person.
  2. an agent involved in managing the household, (even if not named on the licence), is not a fit and proper person.
  3. the management arrangements for the HMO are not satisfactory.
  4. the HMO is not fit for habitation.

Who is exempt from HMO licensing?

Properties exempt from HMO licensing

a property occupied by two people living as two households (two-person flat shares) buildings managed or controlled by public sector bodies (such as the police or the NHS), the London Hostels Association or a registered social landlord.

What is the criteria for HMO?

Your home is probably an HMO if: 3 or more unrelated people live there as at least 2 separate households – for example, 3 single people with their own rooms, or 2 couples each sharing a room. the 3 or more people living there share basic amenities, such as a kitchen or bathroom.