How to Apply for an HMO Licence in Peterborough

Apply Through the Route for Your Licence

Peterborough property licence applications are made online. Selective and additional HMO applications go through Home Safe; mandatory HMO applications use Peterborough City Council's online HMO Licence Application. Home Safe handles the application platform, identity checks, document validation, and inspections for its schemes. The Council retains legal authority over granting or refusing licences.

The Application Process, Step by Step

1. Register and verify your identity for a Home Safe application

For selective and additional HMO applications, create an account on the Home Safe platform and complete biometric identity verification through Yoti, a government-approved service. This involves a facial match on your smartphone or computer plus high-resolution scans of accepted photo ID — a UK driving licence or passport — and proof of address dated within the last 3 months (a utility bill or council tax statement). For a mandatory HMO licence, use the Council's online HMO Licence Application and follow its instructions.

If you can't complete the online biometric check, Yoti verification is available at participating Post Office branches.

Registration approval usually takes minutes but can take up to 48 hours.

2. Add your property profile

Once verified, Home Safe applicants log in and enter the property details: construction date, property type, room configurations, usable floor space dimensions, and maximum proposed occupancy. HMO applications require a floor plan with room dimensions.

3. Complete the application and upload documents

For Home Safe applications, you have 28 days from starting the application to upload the required documents, complete the declarations, and pay Part A. The application isn't duly made until the required documents and fee are submitted. If it locks after 28 days, Home Safe says to request that it be unlocked. For mandatory HMO applications, follow the Council form's instructions; the Council gives an opportunity and deadline to resolve missing key information or documents.

Documents You'll Need Ready Before You Start

Gather everything before starting an application. Home Safe applications lock after 28 days if they have not been completed; mandatory HMO applications follow the Council's separate online process.

All schemes (selective, additional HMO, mandatory HMO):

• Proof of ownership — Land Registry title register, transfer deed, solicitor's confirmation letter, or mortgage statement dated within 3 months
• Gas safety certificate (CP12) — annual, from a Gas Safe registered engineer (if the property has gas)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — valid 5-year certificate showing Satisfactory. C1 or C2 defects need proof of remedial work
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — minimum Grade E (unless a PRS exemption is registered)
• Mortgage lender details — company name and official email from the FCA Financial Services Register

Additional requirements for HMO applications:

• Floor plan with room dimensions (measured in square metres)
• Fire risk assessment
• Fire alarm and emergency lighting certificates (if a system is installed)
• PAT testing records for landlord-supplied electrical appliances over 1 year old

Licence Holder Requirements Depend on the Application Route

For selective and additional HMO applications through Home Safe, the proposed licence holder must be a UK resident. If the property is owned by someone living overseas, they must appoint a person or company in the UK to hold the licence. For a mandatory HMO application, the Council says anyone may apply but must nominate a person or company with sufficient financial control over the property as licence holder. The named licence holder is responsible for complying with the licence conditions.

The licence holder must also be the most appropriate person to manage the property — with authority to collect rent, execute or terminate tenancies, access all areas, and authorise maintenance spending.

Fit and Proper Person Declaration

Every applicant and managing officer must complete a fit and proper person declaration. This covers unspent convictions related to housing offences, fraud, violence, drug trafficking, unlawful discrimination, and offences listed under Schedule 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

After Submission

For selective and additional HMO applications, Home Safe issues a draft licence and invoices Part B, which is due within 7 days. For a mandatory HMO application, both fee parts are due with the application. Home Safe runs two inspection programmes during the Selective and Additional scheme terms. Any defects found are categorised by severity, with deadlines for remedial work.

For a full walkthrough of the Home Safe portal, Yoti verification, document preparation, and what to expect after your licence is granted, the Peterborough Landlord Licensing Guide covers the entire process.

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