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Renew, vary or revoke a HMO licence

Delays to response times

We may take longer than normal to respond to queries about private housing in January 2026. This is because of IT maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

If you already have a HMO licence, you can renew, vary or cancel it.  

Renew a licence

A HMO Licence lasts for a fixed term of five years. A new licence must be applied for before the old licence expires and a fee paid

The new application must have all the necessary documents attached that are listed on the application form before it will be deemed as a completed application.

The form and guidance notes can be found on our How to apply for a HMO licence page.

Vary a licence

You can apply to vary your HMO licence. You will need to do this, for example, if you want to increase the number of occupiers and/or households.

To apply to vary a licence, complete the Application to vary form.

Selling a property

You cannot change the licence holder details on an existing licence. If you are selling the property and it will remain a licensable HMO, the licence cannot be transferred.

You must firstly revoke the current licence and the new owner must submit a HMO licence application for this property immediately on completion of the sale.

Revoke a licence

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 and you are no longer the relevant person to hold the licence

To apply to revoke a licence, complete the Application to revoke form.

Updated: 11 October 2024

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