Fees and discounts for HMO mandatory licences.
What an HMO is
A property is a house in multiple occupation (HMO) if both of the following apply:
- at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than 1 household
- there are shared facilities e.g. toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities
A property is subject to mandatory licensing if its occupied by five or more people living in two more separate households.
Read more about what we mean by a household.
Standard fee for a new HMO licence
The fee for a new licence is £1,886. This is split into:
- £1,121 for payment one
- £765 for payment two
The licence lasts for 5 years.
Standard fee for a licence renewal
The renewal fee is £1,564. This is split into:
- £929 for payment one
- £635 for payment two
Extra charges
Additional household costs
This will not apply anymore from 6 April 2024.
Unlicensed property charges apply if you're renting a property that needs a licence and we find it to be unlicensed.
Licence discounts
Rent with confidence scheme
To qualify for the £150 licence fee Rent with Confidence (RWC) discount, licence holders or managers of licensed properties must have the accredited level of membership with one of the RWC approved providers when you apply for a licence. Read about how to join an accreditation scheme.
This scheme isn't managed by the council. Contact the Rent with Confidence approved providers directly. You can find a list of approved contractors on The West of England Rent with Confidence Accreditation Scheme Go to https://www.westofenglandrentwithconfidence.co.uk (opens new window).
As the applicant, it's your responsibility to prove RWC accredited membership. If you can't provide evidence of qualifying membership (usually an accreditation certificate) by the deadline for Part 2 payment, the licence holder isn't eligible for reward.
Discount will only be awarded if you are an accredited member not just an ordinary member of the organisation.
Safety and performance certificates
For all Mandatory licence applications received prior to 6 April 2024, we need to see copies of the property's:
- gas safety certificate
- electricity installation condition report (EICR)
- energy performance certificate (EPC)
You either get:
- a £150 discount on the part two payment if you give us satisfactory copies of the documents before we issue the proposed licence
- or a £150 refund if you give us satisfactory copies within three months of the full licence being issued
For Mandatory licence applications received after 6 April 2024,
we need to see copies of the property's:
- gas safety certificate
- electricity installation condition report (EICR)
- energy performance certificate(EPC)
You will receive a £150 refund against the part two payment if you provide satisfactory copies of the certificates prior to the licence being issued.
No refunds will be given if the certificates are received after the formal licence has been issued.
Check if you need a licence and apply
You can check if you need a licence and apply on our apply for a property licence page.