Houses in multiple occupation
Apply for an HMO licence
We usually issue an HMO licence for five years. In exceptional cases, we may issue a licence for a shorter period.
Supporting documents
You need the following documents to support an application for an HMO licence:
- Valid annual gas safety certificate
- Valid annual fire detection system service or commissioning certificate
- Valid periodic electrical installation condition report showing no C1 and C2 observations
- Title document or leasehold agreement that shows you are the ‘person in control’ of the HMO
- Fire safety risk assessment (if you have one)
All electrical, gas safe and fire safety certificates must be completed by a competent registered engineer.
Certificates will not be deemed valid unless completed by a competent person or company.
Gas safe engineers can be found on the gas safe registered engineers website.
Electricians must be registered with a scheme such as NICEIC or equivalent. These can be found on the electrical competent person website.
Fire safety certificates must be completed by a registered and competent electrician or a competent person or company such as a fire alarm specialist.
Application fees
It is cheaper to make and pay for your application online. This is because online applications take less processing time. If you apply online, you will receive e-mail reminders to submit your documents and to renew your licence.
| Number of occupants in HMO | Mode of application | First part payment (on application)* | Final payment (on licence approval) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 occupants | Online | £725.83 | £611.23 | £1,337.06 |
| Paper | £885.00 | £707.00 | £1,592.00 | |
| More than 10 occupants | Online | £821.33 | £706.74 | £1,528.07 |
| Paper | £980.51 | £802.24 | £1,782.75 |
*non-refundable
Please open and read the following guidance document when completing your online application form:
If you wish to make a paper application at a higher fee, you can request an application form via email to healthyneighbourhoods@swindon.gov.uk.
Application process
Once you submit your application, we will contact you to inspect the property. During the inspection, we will assess whether the HMO meets local and national standards for space, basic amenities and fire safety.
Response time
It can take us up to 60 days to carry out all our inspections and issue a licence. We will request your final payment before we issue the licence.
Routine inspections and certificate checks
We will do regular inspections throughout the duration of your licence.
Our inspection officer will:
- audit you against the conditions of your licence
- identify any management regulations violation
- identify any defects or deficiencies in the HMO because of disrepair
We may inspect the HMO without notice, especially if we receive complaints.
We will also e-mail you annually to ask for the latest certificates and documents.