What is a 'fit and proper person?'

The council will carry out checks to make sure that the person applying for the licence is a fit and proper person. In deciding whether someone is fit and proper the council must take into account:

any previous convictions relating to violence, sexual offences, drugs and fraud
whether the proposed licence holder has broken any laws relating to housing or landlord and tenant issues
whether the person has been found guilty of unlawful discrimination
whether the person has previously managed HMOs that have broken any approved code of practice.

It is advisable for the landlord or manager to be a member of a professionally recognised body, such as the Association of Midland Landlords, National Federation of Residential Landlords, or Residential Landlords Association.

If you are a member of a Landlords Association that is recognised by the council then you will also be eligible for a discount.

You can find out more about HMOs by reading our licensing booklet.

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