Answer the questions below to see if you need to apply for a
licence:
1. Are there 5 or more people living in the flat or
house?
2. Is the building 3 or more stories tall (including
basements, attics and shops)
If you answer YES to both questions then
your property is likely to need a licence, unless you answer no to
questions 3 and 4 below:
3. Is your property rented to more than one family*?
If YES then your property needs a
licence.
If NO then your property does not need a
licence.
4. Is the accommodation self contained flats only?
If YES then your property only needs a
licence if it does not meet the 1991 Building Regulation standards
and more than one third of the flats are occupied on short
tenancies.
If NO then your property does not need a
licence.
*Definition of relationships which are classed as family:
husband, wife, co-habitee (including same-sex partners), child,
step-child, foster-child, grandchild, parent, step-parent,
foster-parent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister,
half-sister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin.
Exemptions.
Your property will not require a licence if falls into any of
the exempted categories listed below:
- Occupied by the owner (and their family if any) and one or two lodgers.
- Occupied by a religious community.
- Occupiers have their main residence elsewhere (full-time students term-time accommodation is classed as their permanent residence)
- No one in the property is required to pay rent.
- The owner or manager is a public body such as a housing association/ Local Authority/educational establishment/police/health services
- The owner or manager an educational institution.
- A building of self-contained flats if two thirds or more of the flats are owner-occupied.
- The property is part of a guest house or hotel (unless an ‘HMO Declaration’ is made stating that residents live in the property for more than 30 consecutive days)
- If your property does not fit within these definitions then please contact Richmondshire District Council who will be able to help you find out if your property is an HMO and if it needs to be licensed.
For further information and advice contact
Environment Service
Friars Wynd
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL10 4RT
Tel: 01748 829100 Fax: 01748 826186
Email: environment@richmondshire.gov.uk
Created by : Policy Officer (Private Sector Housing)
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Last updated:
25 June 2008
