HMO Licence Applications for Derby Landlords

Source: Derby City Council, HMO application fees, checked 29 October 2026.

 

For a landlord with three new HMOs of up to six bedrooms, council fees come to £4,104. That is what the council charges, and it is paid to the council.

 

What happens if an HMO in Derby is not licensed?

 

Running a licensable HMO without a licence is a criminal offence. The council can prosecute in the Magistrates Court, where the fine is unlimited, or issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000. Derby City Council says it enforces the rule strictly.

 

The owner or manager is responsible for making sure the application is made. If you use an agent, agree who is making it before the property is let.

 

Can TMS make my HMO licence application for me?

 

Yes. We can make HMO licence applications for the landlords we manage for. Licence applications are charged separately from the management fee.

 

What does full management include?

 

Licence applications are separate from our full management service. Almost everything sits inside one management fee. The set-up fee and licence applications are the main things charged separately. Here is how we work:

 

• The phone gets answered. It's not a nine to five job with us, and landlords always have something that needs sorting.

• Repairs start straight away. We use our own contractors and four inspections a year are included.

• We are landlords too. We know what an empty month costs, so we give an honest rent valuation instead of one that leaves a property sitting empty.

• Landlords stay. Some have been with us for 10 years. The ones who leave are usually selling up.

 

Read more on our portfolio landlords page and our landlord compliance page.

 

Can I move my HMOs to TMS from another agent?

 

Yes. You send us one email authorising the move, and we deal with your current agent, your tenants and the deposit transfers. If your agent drags their feet, we go back to you and push it through. Our switching agent page explains each step.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Does the number of bedrooms decide whether I need an HMO licence?

No. The number of occupiers and households decides it. You need a licence when five or more people live in the property as two or more households.

 

How long does an HMO licence last in Derby?

Up to five years, and sometimes less. The council can issue a shorter licence if it has concerns about how the property is managed. You must apply to renew before it expires.

 

Do I pay the council fee all at once?

No. You pay in two stages. For a new licence, £1,031 goes in with the application and £337 is due within 21 days of receiving the draft licence. Extra bedroom charges are added to the second payment.

 

Who is responsible for getting the licence, the landlord or the agent?

The owner or manager of the HMO is responsible for making sure an application is made. At TMS, we can make the application for the landlords we manage for.

 

Which parts of Derby does the HMO licence rule cover?

The whole city. Derby City Council runs the mandatory HMO scheme citywide, and it does not run a separate selective or additional scheme.