Houses in multiple occupation licence
If you don't apply for a licence
You will be given reasonable opportunity to apply for a licence before the Council will take formal action.
It is an offence to operate without a licence without reasonable excuse. If you are found guilty, the court can impose an unlimited fine for renting out an unlicensed HMO.
The Council can also impose a Civil Penalty fine between £600 and £30,000.
You may also have to repay any rent received during the time the property wasn't licensed back to your tenants, and the Council, if any benefits were paid out on their tenancy.