As of 6 April 2006 all landlords and property managing agents who let large houses in multiple occupation need to apply for a licence from the local authority. Failure to do so can lead to fines of up to £20,000 a criminal record, and potentially, rent repayment orders. Applications must be made to the local housing authority. A fee will be charged for processing the licence application and carrying out an inspection of the HMO.

Properties of three or more floors, with five or more tenants belonging to two or more households are those that are currently required by law to be licensed.

Further information on this can be found by on the Communities and Local Government website.

The Public Register of Licensed Houses in Multiple Occupation can be viewed by appointment at Trafford Town Hall. For an appointment to view the register please email housing.standards@trafford.gov.uk or 0161 912 4916.

You can download the form and all accompanying documents from at the bottom of this page.

Or, you can get a copy sent out to you by contacting the Housing Standards Team using the email or telephone number listed at the bottom of the page.

Please note that certain documents can only be accepted in their original format (e.g.. test of fitness declaration and certificates relating to gas and electrical safety) - you will be advised about the details of this during the application process.

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

See our table of charges for HMO Licensing.

To grant a licence we will need to be satisfied that:

• The house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
• The proposed licence holder is a 'fit and proper' person and is the most appropriate person to hold the licence
• The proposed manager has control of the house and is a fit and proper person to be the manager
• The management arrangements are satisfactory
• The accommodation meets all the minimum standards such as sufficient number of toilets, kitchens and bathrooms for the number of residents which are required under the 'Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) Regulations 2006'.

Licences will be issued with certain conditions attached - a copy of these can be viewed below at appendix 6 - Standard Licensing Conditions. Additional conditions may be added if deemed necessary.

The building must also have the appropriate planning permission, allowing use as an HMO. You can check this or discuss it further with Planning Control on 0161 912 3149 or by emailing planning@trafford.gov.uk.

You may appeal to a Residential Property Tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made. Please contact us in the first instance.

You may appeal to a Residential Property Tribunal regarding conditions attached to a licence or any decision to vary or revoke a licence. Any appeal must be made within 28 days of the decision being made.

If a licence is granted and you wish to appeal against it being granted you may do so to a Residential Property Tribunal within 28 days of the decision being made.

If your HMO is not classed as a large HMO (see above) then you do not need to apply for a licence. If your properties were registered under the 'Trafford Registration of HMOs Control Scheme 2003' then that registration will no longer apply. However, you still need to abide by the 'Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006' which ensure that properties are managed properly on a day-to-day basis.

If you make alterations to an HMO, please advise us at the earliest opportunity. You can do this by contacting the Housing Standards Team using the email or telephone number below.

• British Property Federation (BPF)
• National Federation of Property Professionals

Licence application documents:

• Application Form for a Mandatory Licence for a House in Multiple Occupation
• Appendix 1 - Record of other HMOs or Houses Owned and/or Licensed by the Proposed Licence Holder
• Appendix 2 - Test of Fitness and Compliance with Management Conditions
• Appendix 3 - List of Fees and Charges Relating to Licensing
• Appendix 4 - Equality Monitoring Form
• Appendix 5 - Information and Advice Note
• Appendix 6 - Standard Licensing Conditions

General information:

• Guidance on Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation
• Guidance on Fire Safety Requirements for Houses in Multiple Occupation
• Lacors Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing