Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

The link to apply for a licence to operate a house in multiple occupation is at the top of this page.

If you want to resume an application you already started, you need to login to our customer portal. You will need to create an account before starting the form if you want to do this.

A HMO must have a licence if any of the following apply:

• It meets the definition of an HMO
• It is occupied by five or more people forming at least two households

Application process

• You must be a fit and proper person to hold the licence
• Licence fees will be payable for an application
• Licence fees are non refundable

This application may take up to an hour per property owing  to the amount of information required. We strongly recommend you register for an account which will allow you to complete the application in stages as the form may time out before you have the opportunity to finalise it.  Generally speaking a licence will be granted for a 5 year term unless there are reasons not to.

Before starting your application, please make sure you have to hand:

• Full address details of the application agent (if using an agent), the proposed licence holder and the proposed manager (if separate).
• Details of those with interests in the property such as mortgage companies, freeholders, leaseholders
• Details of the layout of the property to allow you to record the numbers of rooms, facilities and occupancy levels, including a floor plan with room dimensions.
• Copies of the following documents are required
  • A current fire safety risk assessment
  • A fire detection test report
  • A copy of the most recent Gas safety certificate, where there is a gas supply/appliances in the property.
  • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) from an inspection in the last 5 years
  • Portable appliance test (PAT) report for electrical appliances provided by the landlord
  • Emergency lighting test report, if installed in the property
  • A current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • A floor plan of the property which complies with the EEBC floor plan standards document available below

Your application may be rejected if appropriate documents are not submitted.  It is an offence to operate a licensable house in multiple occupation without a licence or valid exemption.

Fees and Charges

Please find our fees here: Houses of multiple occupation fees.

For Tenants

If your home is part of a shared house or bedsit arrangement it is likely it would be considered a House in Multiple Occupation.  More information on your rights are available from the government website.

House in Multiple Occupation register

We are required to maintain a statutory register of HMOs.  For access to the full register please email foidpa@epsom-ewell.gov.uk.  The abbreviated version of the register is location on the open data website.