Additional Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation

The council introduced an additional licensing scheme, which applied to certain Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) not already covered by mandatory HMO licensing, which ran from 1st October 2018 until 30th September 2023. While the requirement to licence has now ended, valid licenses are still operative and must be complied with.

Additional licensing places obligations on the landlords to act proactively and ensure their properties meet set standards prior to occupation and throughout the term of the licence.

Map of Additional HMO Licensing Area

What is additional licensing?

The additional licensing scheme for HMOs applied to parts of Doncaster Town Centre, Hyde Park, Balby North, Wheatley and Intake. Landlords and persons managing HMO's that fall under the new criteria, were required to make an application if they let a property an HMO with 4 occupiers in the area shown above. However, certain exemptions applied.

Please note additional licensing requirements also applied to section 257 HMOs which are buildings comprising of self contained flats where they do not comply with the Building Regulations 1991 (or more recent Building Regulations) and where less than two thirds of flats in the building are owner occupied.  

Who is exempt?

Under the additional licensing scheme, you did not need an additional licence if the property was:

• An HMO that already requires a licence under the mandatory HMO licensing scheme
• Already regulated under other statutory provisions, such as The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Other Houses
• Subject to an Interim or Final Management Order (see Part 4 of the Housing Act 2004 for information about these orders)
• Covered by a temporary exemption notice
• Managed a local housing authority, registered social landlord, police or fire & rescue authority or a health service body
• Falls within an exemption applying to certain student halls of residence
• Occupied mainly for the purposes of a religious community whose main occupations are prayer, contemplation, education or the relief of suffering
• Occupied by an owner with no more than two lodgers
• Occupied by two people who form two households

How much did it cost?

The total licence fee was £890.

Have any more questions?

The scheme ended on 30th September 2023, however, any licenses that have not expired are still valid and must be complied with until they expire. If you have any questions, please email HousingStandards@doncaster.gov.uk

Display your introduction over featured image?: No