HMO change in circumstances

You will need to ask us to vary your licence when you make certain types of change to your property.

Changes you need to tell us about include:

  • reducing or increasing the number of bedrooms
  • altering the layout of the property

There are some other examples of changes you need to tell us about on this page.

When the manager or managing agent changes

You may need to get your HMO licence varied if the manager or managing agent of the property changes and:

  • one of them is also the licence holder - when this happens, you must ask us to revoke the licence. The new manager or managing agent will have to apply for a licence in their own name
  • neither is the licence holder - when this happens, you must ask us to vary the licence to show the new manager
  • the managing agent is not the licence holder or the manager of the property - when this happens, you must tell us the name of the new managing agent

When you sell a licenced HMO

You must tell us if you sell your licensed HMO. We will then revoke your HMO licence. You cannot transfer an HMO licence.

The new owner will have to apply for a licence if they intend to rent the property out as an HMO.

If you are selling an HMO and someone else is the licence holder, the licence holder must ask us to vary the licence. This is so we know the name of the new owner.

This is important if you are the manager of the property but do not intend to manage it after it is sold.

When you convert an HMO to single family occupation

Anyone who converts an HMO to single family use should tell us. We will investigate and may revoke the licence.

Report a variation on a mandatory licence

Surender or close a mandatory licence

Update a document on a mandatory licence


Page last updated: 12 July 2023

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