Refund policy for a property licence

Our refund policy for a HMO Licence and the Selective Licensing Scheme.

A licence is not transferable, and the licence fee is payable in 2 parts - Part A and Part B. 

The final licence will not be issued until the full fee has been paid.

Part A fee

Part A fee is a non-refundable fee that is paid on submission of an application. Should the application be refused or rejected by the council or withdrawn by the applicant, Part A fee will not be refunded.

Part B fee

Part B fee is payable once the application has been assessed and the decision is made to grant the licence. This will cover the administration, management, and enforcement of the licensing functions for the scheme. Part B fee is not refundable once the licence has been issued. 

Part B fee will be charged to the card used to make the initial Part A payment, as stipulated in the declaration when submitting your application. 

When we will give a refund

Refunds for a property licence will only be issued in exceptional circumstances, for example if: 

  • the property is outside the designated area (therefore, a licence is not required)
  • a duplicate application has been made
  • an application was made for an exempted property (properties that do not require a licence as per the Housing Act exemption)

If a refund is agreed, the council will only refund to the original payee and normally by the same method of payment used, i.e. via the original credit card used. 

When we will not give a refund

Refunds for a property licence will not be given if:

  • you no longer require a licence
  • the licence is revoked or cancelled
  • you are refused planning permission for works required to your property, after the licence is granted/issued 

Licence fees are not connected to the length of a licence. We will not refund any fees if you:

  • cancel your licence before it expires
  • decide to sell or stop letting your property after you’ve applied

Where a licensed property changes ownership, the new landlord/managing agent must make a full application for a new licence. We will not refund any fees for any unused/unexpired period of the licence.

If a licence holder dies during the period of the licence, the licence ceases to be in force from the date of death. For 3 months from the date of death, the house will be treated as if a Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN) has been served.