Stop operating as a licensable HMO

Part of: Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

Contents

If you manage or control an HMO and plan to stop operating it as a licensable HMO, you can apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN).

The Council needs to be convinced that you genuinely intend to stop using the property as a licensable HMO. We'll ask for evidence of the steps you're taking to permanently remove it from mandatory HMO licensing.

Once the TEN expires, the property must either be licensed or permanently operating outside the HMO licensing scheme.

Apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice

There is no cost for a TEN, and it will start on the date it is granted.

To apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice, complete the TEN application form and send it to the team by email at housing.standards@trafford.gov.uk.

You can also send your completed application form by post to: Housing Standards Team, Trafford Council, Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, Manchester, M32 0YL.

Supporting documents

You will also need to submit the following supporting documents with your application:

  • Contract with an estate agent or solicitor for the sale of property
  • Copy of land register or solicitor's letter for property purchase
  • Planning application number for change of use
  • Valid copies of Section 21 Notices or Section 8 Notice served on tenants

Temporary Exemption Notice restrictions

A Temporary Exemption Notice only applies to one house.  You can only apply for a maximum of two notices per property, but only in exceptional circumstances will the second TEN be granted.  

Each notice lasts for three months, and the second notice must commence from the end of the first notice.