Information for landlords
Last updated 27 June 2023
7. Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by 3 or more people of 2 or more households. A household can be a single person or several members of the same family. This includes bedsits, hostels, self-contained flats and shared houses.
Houses fully converted into self-contained flats will not generally be HMOs provided that they were/are converted in accordance with the 1991 Building Regulations.
Some HMOs are required by law to be licensed by the local authority under the Housing Act 2004. These are HMOs which are made up of 5 or more people of 2 or more households, where at least 2 households share amenities for example bathrooms, kitchens, etc. This is due to changes to HMO licences that came into effect on 1 October 2018.
HMO licence fees
The current HMO licence fees are:
mandatory HMO licence (up to 5 bedrooms)
- full £935
- Pre-licence fee: £280
- Post-licence fee: £655
landlords renewal application (up to 5 bedrooms)
- full £825
- Pre-licence fee: £250
- Post-licence fee: £575
charge per additional room above 5 bedrooms: £33
Fees may be decided on a case by case basis where properties have more than 10 bedrooms.
Variation Notice: £110 an hour. Minimum 1 hour charge. To pay this please get in touch.
Note: that each HMO licence is valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue.
New HMO application
To apply for a mandatory HMO licence complete the application form below.
When completing your application please read the following documents:
Download the HMO licence application (PDF 366Kb)
Email a copy of your application and all supporting documents to housing.standards@stockport.gov.uk
HMO renewal application
If you'd like to apply for the renewal of a mandatory HMO licence complete the following application form.
Download the HMO renewal licence form (PDF 306Kb)
Email a copy of your application and all supporting documents to housing.standards@stockport.gov.uk
Pay online
Use our online payment service to pay for a HMO licence fee or a HMO renewal licence fee.
You'll need the street name and house number of the property you're making an application for.