How long the licence lasts

Most licences will run for five years. 

In some cases, where there's history of previous mismanagement, use without planning permission or enforcement action, the Council may issue a licence for a shorter period of time to allow for checks to take place.

Short licences may also be issued if the leaseholder or mortgage company does not give permission for the property to be used as an HMO or single-household letting.

The short licence is issued to allow the applicant time to either get relevant permission or remove the property as an HMO or single-household letting.

In all cases, you'll need to renew the licence at the end of the licence period.

For the licence to remain valid, you'll need to send us updated documents, such as gas safety certificates.