Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

Apply now

To be a granted an HMO licence, you and your agent must:

• be a fit and proper person to operate an HMO
• have the property in good order and suitable for the purpose (or can be made so as a condition of the licence)
• have the necessary planning permissions for HMO use
• make sure there are proper tenancy agreements

Renew an HMO licence

You must renew your licence before it runs out.

Return your completed form to:

Housing and Licensing Standards
Militia House
English Street
Dumfries
DG1 2HR

Information you need to provide

You need to provide the following documentation (where applicable):

• floor plans of the premises – for new applications, or where there have been alterations made to the property
• current or proposed tenancy agreement for the property
• property insurance policy including public liability cover
• electrical Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for the property
• a copy of the current landlord's gas safety certificate for all gas appliances
• a satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for the property
• fire safety risk assessment
• fire detection or warning system – maintenance and testing record
• emergency lighting – maintenance and testing record
• firefighting equipment – maintenance and testing record

HMO licence fees

Licence fees depend on the number of occupants. They are non-refundable.

If you run more than one HMO, you need a separate licence for each home.

After you submit your application

Once submitted, you must display a copy of your application in a prominent place outside the HMO for 21 days.

A licence usually lasts for 3 years.

Fines and penalties

If you fail to meet any of the conditions of your licence you could:

• have your licence revoked
• be fined up to £10,000
• be forced to fix any problems immediately, for example home improvements (your rent payments may be stopped until it’s done)