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Preparing your HMO licence application


Before completing the online application form please ensure that you have all the relevant information to hand.

Who should apply for a HMO Licence?

Anyone who owns or manages an HMO that must be licensed has to apply to the Local Authority for a licence. The Authority must issue a licence if it is satisfied that:

  • The HMO is reasonably suitable for occupation by the number of people allowed under the licence
  • The proposed licence holder is a “fit and proper person”
  • The proposed licence holder is the most appropriate person to hold the licence
  • The proposed manager (if there is one) is a “fit and proper person”
  • The proposed management arrangements are satisfactory
  • The person involved in the management of the HMO is competent
  • The financial structures for the management and maintenance of the property are suitable

The Authority must have regard to any evidence, which may effect the decision to grant a HMO licence.

What will I need to apply for a HMO Licence?

For a licence application to be deemed valid, you must provide the following:

  • A fully completed application form
  • A DBS or similar disclosure scheme check* dated no more than 1 month prior to the application being submitted**
  • The relevant fee (to be paid upon submission)
  • A current landlord gas safety certificate (if applicable)
  • A current Electrical Installation Condition Report
  • floor plan with all rooms labelled, such as bedroom, kitchen, etc and the dimensions for each room

* View details of the organisations who can provide DBS checks

** If you are a landlord or property agent involved with more than 1 licensed HMO in Cornwall, the DBS check must be no more than 1 month old for your first application and no more than one year old for the subsequent applications.

If the applicant is a Company, a DBS will need to be submitted by each of the Directors. The DBS checks must be no more than 1 month old for the first application and no more than one year old for the subsequent applications.

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