Homes in Multiple Occupancy
Who can apply?
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 states any rented property which is occupied by three or more unrelated people, who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, must have a licence from the local authority.
North Ayrshire Council Licensing Section is responsible for the processing of all licence applications including Houses in Multiple Occupation.
How to Apply
Local authorities must have regard to the following when considering an application
The premises must be suitable for the purpose and the licences will be granted if:
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The house is or can be made suitable for multiple occupation
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The applicant is a fit and proper person and the most appropriate person to hold the licence.
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The proposed manager has control of the house, and is a fit and proper person to be the manager.
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The management arrangements are satisfactory.
You can download an application pack and information notes using the link below:
Application Pack for House in Multiple Occupation (Word 126Kb)
Information Notes (Word 33.5Kb)
Alternatively, an application pack can be obtained using the contact details on the right of this page.
Completed application forms should also be sent to the contact details at the right of this page. The application form should be accompanied by the non refundable fee.
What happens next?
On receipt of the completed documents, the application will be circulated to a number of consultees and some of the consultees will inspect the premises. It will also be advertised on the Council's website to allow for members of the public to lodge any objections or representations to the issue of the licence.
In terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, the application shall be considered within 3 months of it having been made and a final decision made within 12 months.
If there are no objections, the licence will be issued for a period of 3 years from the date of issue.
What if I don't hear from North Ayrshire Council's Licensing Office within the specified time period?
It is in the public interest that North Ayrshire Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Licensing Office within a reasonable period, please contact us. You can do this using the contact details to the right of this page.
Please note that the application process may take up to several months.
Fees
For 2010/2011 the fee for the grant of a licence for a House in Multiple Occupation is £840 and the fee from renewal is £485. These fees are subject to annual review.
The fee is not returnable if you decide to withdraw the application or if the licence is refused.