Renew, vary or revoke a HMO licence

If you already have a HMO licence, you can renew, vary or cancel it.  

Renew a licence

A HMO Licence lasts for a fixed term of five years. A new licence must be applied for before the old licence expires and a fee paid.

The new application must have all the necessary documents attached that are listed on the application form before it will be deemed as a completed application.

The form and guidance notes can be found on our How to apply for a HMO licence page.

Vary a licence

You can apply to vary your HMO licence. You will need to do this, for example, if you want to increase the number of occupiers and/or households.

To apply to vary a licence, email privatehousing@merton.gov.uk.

Selling a property

You cannot change the licence holder details on an existing licence. If you are selling the property and it will remain a licensable HMO, the licence cannot be transferred.

You must firstly revoke the current licence and the new owner must submit a HMO licence application for this property immediately on completion of the sale.

Revoke a licence

You can apply to revoke a HMO licence if the property no longer requires a mandatory licence, for example:

• The property is now occupied by a single family
• The number of occupiers is less than five
• The property is to be sold and you are no longer the relevant person to hold the licence

To apply to revoke a licence, email privatehousing@merton.gov.uk.