The person responsible for applying for a property licence is the landlord or, in some cases, the property manager or agent acting on their behalf.
Who Should Apply?
Landlords – If you own a rental property that requires a Selective, Additional, or Mandatory HMO licence, you are responsible for applying to the local council.
Managing Agents – If a property manager or letting agent is responsible for the property's day-to-day management, they can apply for the licence instead, provided they have the landlord’s authorisation.
UK Licence Holder Requirement
Some councils require the named licence holder to be a UK-based individual or entity.
If the landlord is based overseas, they may need to appoint a managing agent to apply for and hold the licence on their behalf.
Even if an agent applies, the landlord remains responsible for ensuring compliance with licensing laws.
Consequences of Not Securing a Licence
Failure to obtain the required property licence can result in serious penalties, including:
Fines of up to £30,000 per offence
Rent Repayment Orders, where tenants can claim back up to 12 months’ rent
Banning Orders that prohibit landlords or agents from renting properties in the future
Liability for these penalties can fall on both the landlord and the managing agent, depending on their level of responsibility for the property’s management.
The application must be submitted to the local council where the property is located.