Landlord licensing in Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

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

Fee notes

Fees are banded by number of bed spaces rather than occupants: 5-6 bed spaces £664; 7-8 bed spaces £764; 9+ bed spaces £882. Applicants are invoiced separately on completion of the online form. There is no fee for licence variation applications. Discount available to members of the Kirklees Landlord and Property Accreditation Scheme. Discount also available where the property is shown to be up to standard on submission of a fully completed application with detailed floor plans. Applicants are asked to declare membership of other accreditation schemes run by other local authorities, professional bodies, or nationally recognised landlord associations.

Typical licence term

Up to 5 years (can be shorter)

Kirklees Council is currently experiencing a high level of demand for HMO licences and warns of delays in issuing licences. Applicants are asked not to make contact unless the application is more than two months outstanding. An HMO licence is not transferable; where ownership changes the new landlord must apply for a new licence and no refund is made for the unexpired portion of the previous licence. Required documents include: fire detection system maintenance records, Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Safety Certificate, tenancy agreement, floor plan, and Energy Performance Certificate. Penalties for operating an unlicensed HMO include an unlimited fine, criminal record, and potential rent repayment order action. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. Property types covered: Properties rented to 5 or more people forming more than 1 household where some or all tenants share toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities and at least one tenant pays rent. Includes converted buildings and purpose-built flats with up to two units meeting the same occupancy criteria. Exemptions or exclusions: Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN) available where a landlord intends to cease HMO operations or reduce occupancy. Where a licence holder dies during the period of a licence, the licence ceases from the date of death for 3 months from the date of death the property is treated as if a TEN has been served.