Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Apply for a HMO licence

If your HMO property requires a licence, download the council’s application pack, which includes:

• An application form
• Fee calculators for new licences and licence renewals
• A summary of our standards
• Online guidance notes for completing the application form

Application documents

• HMO Application form (PDF File, 734.1 KB)
• HMO Licence Fee Calculator New Applications (PDF File, 279.6 KB)
• HMO Licence Fee Calculator Renewal Applications (PDF File, 195.6 KB)
• Standards guidance for Horsham District HMO landlords (PDF File, 979.4 KB)

How to pay

There are three ways to pay your HMO licence fee:

• Send us a cheque when you send your application back
• Call us on 01403 215 641 to pay by credit or debit card
• Come in to the offices at Parkside, Chart Way, Horsham RH12 1RL and pay by card

Please note that payment only does not constitute a licence application.

If you fail to make a full application by submitting a satisfactorily completed application form with necessary supporting documents, your application will be rejected.

An administration fee of £75 will be charged for this action. This will be taken from your fee and the remaining monies will be returned to you, along with any documents which you have submitted.

In these circumstances, your property will be unlicensed and you may be subject to enforcement action.

What happens next

Once you have submitted your application, we will do the following:

1. We will review your application and check that it is complete with the correct fee and supporting documents.
2. We will contact you to arrange to inspect the property to make sure that it is suitable for the number of occupants proposed. The inspection will focus on repair, management, fire safety and availability of amenities, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Checks will also be made to ensure that the proposed licence holder is a fit and proper person.
3. If we intend to issue a licence, you will be advised of any changes or improvements that need to be made to comply with licence requirements, and a provisional licence will be issued, with conditions. Copies will be sent to all relevant parties.
4. A full licence can then be granted 14 days later.  It will be valid for up to five years and is not transferable to another person or property.

You must display a copy of the licence at the property for all occupiers to see.

If you are refused a licence, we will notify you and any other relevant parties in writing and refund a portion of the application fee, which would have otherwise paid for monitoring. Currently this charge is set at £205.67.

If you are refused a licence, or if you disagree with a condition, you may appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal within 28 days of receiving the Council’s notice of its decision.