when to submit the HMO licence application

itayshap

Hello,

I currently plan to start renovating a house as a 5 bedroom HMO in Liverpool.
the house is vacant and needs full refurbishment.
I've received a building regulation control approval to start the construction work.

1. When should I submit the HMO licence application form to the council? before, during or after the construction work?
2. How long does it usually take to get approval/rejection for HMO licence once the form submitted ?
3. Does the HMO council team visit the property to inspect the work goes according to the details described in the application form? similar to the building regulation control team?

Thank you,

Zvi

csgohan4

have you asked the council?

itayshap

I've sent an email to the HMO department but it takes them forever to respond...

After little research online i understand it can take between few week to two years(!) to get a decision from the council regarding HMO licence.
As a result, the council allow the owner to use the property as HMO from the moment he/she submit the form until the decision is made.
Is that actually the case?

I haven't apply for HMO Licence yet and i wonder when should i send the application form, because a lot of the information required in the form can only be obtained after the renovation.
Should i apply for HMO license at this stage, at the beginning of the renovation, without utilities certification and other information that can only obtained after the refurbishment, and not get rejected ? and to deliver the missing information at a later stage?

thank you,

saajan_12

I helped family with setting up a HMO, so the below relates their council:

* get an advisory meeting to present your plans and get council's guidance on whether that would meet the requirements.
* When the renovation is sufficient to meet the HMO requirements, submit the application
* Complete aesthetic finishing touches and tenant finding
* Begin operating as a HMO provided your plans were provisionally accepted in the initial advisory meetings and you've done the work as planned
* Official inspection visit and HMO licence granted 8 months later.