Licensing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

At Watford Borough Council we provide a one hour free advice service to all landlords who are either renting or looking to rent out their property. A fully qualified Environmental Health officer will go through the legislative requirements. You can obtain advice; bring in your plans and or your builder to chat through your ideas and concerns.

 Included:

• 1 hour free advice with regards to the requirements under the Housing Act 2004

 Not included:

• written advice or site visits.

1 Hour free

An officer will visit your property to survey what works will be required to convert it to a licensable or non-licensable HMO which is compliant to current legal standards and Watford Borough Council’s amenity standards . Whilst on site the officer can offer advice how to maximise the use of the property within the current amenity standards. This service will also provide you with a tailored report and plans specific to your property which you can use to submit upon licence application.

 Included:

• site visit and advice from professional officer
• HHSRS assessment
• detailed survey report with regards to the requirements under the Housing Act 2004
• Property plans which will be accepted for HMO license applications for Watford Borough Council.

 Not included:

• licence conditions,
• Gas safety Certificate,
• Fire Risk assessment,
• Planning advice,
• Building control advice
• Council Tax advice

3 Storey HMO: £691.40  (+VAT)

2 Storey HMO
 £466.70 (+VAT)

If you’re looking to rent out your property, it is subject to relevant legal standards such as HHSRS. An officer will survey your property and assess the condition using the HHSRS standards and provide you with a tailored report. This will enable you to rent out your property with the confidence that your property meets the relevant standards.

 Included:

• Full inspection with regards to the requirements under the Housing Act 2004
• A written report detailing HHSRS requirements

 Not included:

• Building control advice
• Planning advice#
• Tenancy advice
• Council Tax advice

£403.30 (+VAT)

An officer will go through the HMO license application form with you and assist in completing the form. This service also includes a visit from and officer to measure the rooms and provide plans that can be submitted with your application

 Included:

• Assistance in filling out the application
• Property plans which will be accepted for HMO license applications for Watford Borough Council.

 Not included:

• Fire risk assessment
• gas or electrical certification
• advice on upgrading and maximising property 
• Planning advice
• Building control advice
• Council Tax advice