Temporary Exemption from Licensing
A Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN) is a notice that temporarily exempts an HMO property from requiring an HMO licence.
These can be issued by the Local Authority if they are satisfied that the person(s) having control of the property intends to take steps in the very near future necessary to ensure the property no longer requires a licence.
Examples of such steps or circumstances include:
- a pending sale of the property with vacant possession, or
- an intention to convert the property to flats, or
- a change of circumstances whereby the property ceases to be an HMO otherwise , for example, as a consequence of a reduction in tenant numbers or where the property will be occupied by a single household only
There has to be an intention to cause the property to cease being an HMO. Sale of an HMO to another owner planning on operating it as an HMO would not meet the required criteria.
If considered appropriate, a TEN will be issued for a period of 3 months. This will provide the opportunity for the intended changes to take place. In exceptional circumstances, a second TEN may be served providing a further 3 months exemption. A maximum of two TENs may be served in total and, following the expiry of these notices, should the HMO fall within the licensable criteria, it will need a licence.
Application for Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN)
If you would like to apply for a HMO Licence please visit our Apply for an HMO Licence page.