What documents do you need for an HMO licence?
By Patrick Roper · Last reviewed 2026-06-28
Most English councils require a scaled floor plan, a current gas safety certificate, an electrical installation condition report (EICR), fire alarm and fire risk assessment documentation, and proof of identity for an HMO licence application. Some also ask for an EPC, PAT records and a tenancy agreement. Exact requirements vary by council.
- Floor plan
- A scaled plan showing room sizes and uses · source: GOV.UK
- Safety certificates
- Gas safety (annual), EICR (5-yearly), fire alarm certificate · source: GOV.UK
- Fire risk assessment
- Required for most licensable HMOs · source: GOV.UK
- Varies by council
- EPC, PAT, tenancy agreement and ID requirements differ · source: GOV.UK
Every council runs its own HMO application, but the document list is broadly similar across England. The core set is a scaled floor plan, a gas safety certificate, an EICR, fire alarm and fire risk assessment documentation, and proof of identity.
The variation is in the extras — some councils ask for an EPC, PAT testing records or a specimen tenancy agreement, and amenity standards (room sizes, kitchen and bathroom ratios) differ. Missing or out-of-date certificates are the most common reason an application stalls.
We confirm your council's exact requirements, tell you what's missing, and can arrange the certificates and floor plan you don't have — then complete and submit the application for you.
- Get a scaled floor plan. Most councils require a floor plan showing each room, its use and its size, so the council can check amenity and space standards. We can arrange one if you don't have it.
- Gather your safety certificates. A current gas safety certificate (renewed annually) and an electrical installation condition report (EICR, valid five years) are needed almost everywhere, along with fire alarm/detection certification.
- Prepare a fire risk assessment. Most licensable HMOs need a fire risk assessment covering escape routes, alarms and fire doors. Some councils also ask for PAT records for any supplied appliances.
- Confirm council-specific extras. Some councils additionally require an EPC, a tenancy agreement and proof of identity. We confirm the exact list for your council and assemble everything before submitting.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an EPC for an HMO licence?
Some councils require an EPC as part of the HMO licence application and some don't, though an EPC is separately required to let most properties. We confirm whether your specific council asks for one.
How recent do safety certificates need to be?
A gas safety certificate must be renewed every 12 months and an EICR is valid for five years. Councils expect current certificates at the point of application, so out-of-date documents should be renewed first.
What if I don't have a floor plan?
Most councils require a scaled floor plan. If you don't have one, we can arrange a measured plan as part of the service so your application isn't held up.