If the property you are letting meets the definition of a HMO you will need to make an application for a HMO licence and pay the appropriate fee. You need a separate licence for each HMO you run.
Conditions
We will add conditions to licences to make sure a suitable standard of management is in place. As part of the application process, you will be able to challenge any proposed conditions.
Fees
Fees are per licence and last a maximum term of 5 years.
The fee is split into two parts and you can either pay for your licence in two parts or as one payment.
The first part of the fee covers the licence processing fee. This fee is payable when the application is submitted to us. It is non-refundable if the application isn’t successful or you withdraw.
The second part of the fee relates to the administration and compliance of the licence. This fee is payable when we have determined that the licence application has succeeded and must be paid before we release the licence.
Your application is not 'duly made' until both fees are paid and your final licence will not be issued until full payment is received.
| Application type | Full Fee | Part 1 | Part 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMO Licensing - New application | £1617 | £360 | £1257 |
| HMO Licensing - Renewal | £1162 | £237 | £925 |
| HMO Licensing - New application (enforced) | £2128 | £360 | £1768 |
| HMO Licensing – Renewal (enforced) | £1377 | £237 | £1140 |
Applications
Licence applications are made via the GOV.UK website. Please make sure you read the application guidance before completing your application.
Apply for a HMO licence Opens in a new window
Licence renewals
If your licence is due for renewal you must submit an application before your licence expires, if your application is received after the expiry date of your licence, you risk paying the forced renewal application fee.
To apply to renew your licence, complete the application form by selecting renewal in section 2.
If we hold floor plans, we can send these to you for you to add any changes or to confirm nothing has changed. If we do not hold floor plans or they do not contain sufficient information, we may ask you to send new ones.
Vary an existing licence
See www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/section/69 Opens in a new window for information on when you should apply to vary a licence or why the housing authority may ask you to vary your licence.
If you would like to vary your licence, please email Housing.Private.Sec@torbay.gov.uk and we will send you the appropriate forms depending on how you wish to vary your licence.
34222As a tenant this agreement is to show that you understand acceptable behaviour and terms of the tenancy agreement which you have agreed to.
Refused applications
An application may be refused. Should a licence be refused, we will refund all fees not associated with processing and determining the outcome of the application.
Planning permission
Planning and HMO Licensing services operate independently. Applying for or obtaining an HMO Licence does not influence the planning permissions of a property. You must have the correct permissions in place before you consider operating an HMO. To check what permissions you currently have please contact Planning
Purpose
Current satisfactory documents must be submitted to include the following:
- Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable)
- Electrical Installation Condition Report
- Layout plans
- PAT test (on any goods supplied)
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting certificate(s)
Section 13 of the online application form
We require all applications to be submitted with layout plans detailing the following for each floor:
- Room dimensions (see Devon wide amenity standards)
- Room amenities (e.g. cooker)
- Smoke detectors
- Heat detectors
- Escape windows
- Door positions
Please note, if your application is incomplete and we request the missing documentation/information you will have 8 weeks to submit the requested documents. Failure to submit the missing documents/information within 8 weeks of it being requested means you are operating an unlicensed HMO and are liable for prosecution or a civil penalty notice.
In such circumstances we may instigate proceedings or require you to pay the higher ‘forced application fee’.