Landlord licensing in City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

Mandatory licensing of higher risk Houses in Multiple Occupation across the entire Bradford district. Applies to properties occupied by five or more people from two or more households sharing facilities.

HMO fee guide

£1,533

Fee notes

Fee is split into two parts: an initial non-refundable fee to cover processing the application, and a final fee covering the total cost of the licence. The initial fee is deducted from the full cost. An invoice for the balance is sent to issue the full licence. Fees are set for the 2025-2026 financial period and subject to annual increase in line with inflation. Application cannot be accepted without full and correct payment of the initial fee. 5% discount for submission of a full and complete application. 5% discount for property owned or managed by a registered charity. 5% discount for membership of the Unipol Code of Standards (Bradford) Accreditation Scheme. 15% discount for property assessed as being up to standard.

Operating an unlicensed HMO or breaking licence conditions can result in a civil penalty of up to £30,000 and possible inclusion on the register of rogue landlords. The Council can also prosecute instead of issuing a civil penalty. Licence specifies maximum number of people who may live in the HMO and requires compliance with gas safety certificates, electrical safety inspections, fire detection systems, and adequate room sizes. Property types covered: Properties occupied by 5 or more people (including children) from 2 or more separate households sharing facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms. Includes converted buildings/flats meeting the same criteria and purpose-built flats with up to two units where at least one has 5 or more residents from different households sharing amenities.. Exemptions or exclusions: Temporary Exemption Notice available for landlords intending to cease HMO operations or reduce occupancy. Lasts a maximum of 3 months and can be issued a second time. After expiry, property must be licensed, come under management orders, or stop operating as an HMO..