What is HMO Licensing?

Mandatory licensing applies to houses or flats occupied by three or more unrelated people, who share bathroom or kitchen facilities.

The local authority sets the standards required and also sets the fees charged for a licence application. Scottish Ministers have issued guidance to local authorities on the licensing of HMOs.

The owner of an HMO must have a licence from the local authority where the property is situated. Licensing helps ensure that accommodation is safe, well managed and of good quality.

Before granting a licence, the local authority must be satisfied that:

– the owner and any manager of the property is ‘fit and proper’ to hold a licence

– the property meets required physical standards

– the property is suitable for use as an HMO (or could be made so by including conditions in the licence)

HMOs are also covered by fire safety legislation.

The purpose of licensing in the private rental market is to ensure that landlords are providing accommodation that is properly managed and is compliant with health and safety regulations.

There are many rules and regulations to follow in order to be granted an HMO License and GSPC Property Solutions can guide you through the whole process to ensure a full three-year license is issued. There will be visits at the property from the HMO Department as well as the local Fire Department. Both look for continual good property history and this is where we make a difference.

We can arrange to visit the property and advise you on what is required. We can also arrange quotes from our trusted contractors for the work.

We have extensive experience dealing with HMO property audits and representing clients at the Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee Meetings.