How to Check If a Property Already Has an HMO Licence

Whether you're buying an HMO, taking over management of one, or simply want to verify your own property's status, you don't have to take anyone's word for it. Councils are legally required to make HMO licensing information public — you just need to know where to look.

The public register requirement

Under the Housing Act 2004, every local authority that operates HMO licensing must maintain a public register of licensed HMOs in its area. This register is a statutory requirement, not a courtesy — councils cannot refuse to make this information available.

What the register typically shows

Most council registers show the property address, the type of licence held (mandatory or additional), the licence holder's name, the maximum number of occupants and households permitted, and the licence expiry date. Some councils publish this as a searchable online database; others require a written request or a small search fee.

Why this matters when buying

If you're purchasing a property marketed as a "licensed HMO," verify it independently before you rely on that claim. A licence can have lapsed, been revoked, or never actually existed despite what a seller or agent states. Licences are also non-transferable (we cover this in a separate article), so even a genuinely valid licence held by the current owner will not automatically continue after a sale — you will need to apply as the new owner regardless of what the register currently shows.

Why this matters for existing landlords

If you've inherited a property, taken over management from a previous agent, or simply aren't sure whether a predecessor ever applied, checking the register is the fastest way to find out where you stand — rather than assuming compliance and discovering otherwise during a council inspection.

Not sure what you're looking at?

Council registers vary in format and can be confusing to interpret, particularly around licence conditions and expiry dates. Contact us with the property address and we will check its current licensing status for you, and advise on next steps if anything needs regularising.