Information for landlords

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.

Fees and charges

Note that:

each HMO licence is valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue
fees may be decided on a case-by-case basis where properties have more than 10 bedrooms

Mandatory HMO licence (up to 5 bedrooms)

This is the fee on application and granting of an HMO licence. It includes verifying that a landlord is a fit and proper person to be a licensee.

Total fee: £1115

This is paid in 2 parts:

application fee: £780
grant of licence fee £335

Mandatory HMO licence renewal

Total fee: £950

This is paid in 2 parts:

application fee: £665
grant of licence fee: £285

Charge for additional rooms above 5 bedrooms

£35 per room

Licence variation

This is the fee to vary the conditions of a licence, for example: a change of address, a new appointed manager or any other material change.

£160 per hour; minimum 1 hour charge

Incomplete HMO application

This is the fee payable where an inadequate or incomplete application is submitted. The application will not be processed further until any missing information is provided and the additional fee paid.

£106

Aborted HMO visit

This is the fee payable where a landlord or representative fails to attend a pre-arranged visit.

£89

Pre-HMO licence application advice

This is the fee charged for advice prior to submitting an HMO licence application. It includes a review of plans and documentation, an inspection and a follow-up report.

£375

New HMO application

To apply for a mandatory HMO licence, complete the application form below.

Note: It's important that all necessary documentation is submitted with your application. A fee is payable for submission of an inadequate or incomplete application. An application will not be processed further until any missing information is provided and the additional fee paid.

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)