Apply for a private rented property licence

You'll need a property licence if you manage an HMO or let your property in certain areas of the borough.

Check if you need a private rented property licence.

You need to make sure the licence holder is the right person. They must be based in the UK and they’re usually either the: 

• property owner
• manager employed or appointed by the owner

Applications from limited companies

We only accept applications from limited companies with a UK registered office. The licence will be in the company name.

If you live outside the UK

If you live outside the UK and want to be the licence holder, we’ll only consider your application if you appoint a UK-based managing agent. They must take full legal responsibility for meeting the licence conditions.

This is to make sure there is someone locally accountable for meeting safety and management standards.

Licence holder responsibilities and licence conditions 

The licence holder should be able to:

• let the property and end tenancies
• access all parts of the property as much as an owner would
• make sure any necessary repairs are done
• make sure the property is adequately managed
• make sure the property meets the licence conditions 

You must tell us if someone other than the licence holder manages the property and their responsibilities. Otherwise, we’ll assume the licence holder is responsible for meeting all the licence conditions. 

Licence conditions 

When you become a licence holder you are bound by the licence conditions. You must continue to meet the conditions while you have the licence.

Download the licence conditions:

If the licence holder changes 

You cannot transfer a licence from one person or company to another. You’ll need to apply for a new licence in the new licence holder’s name.