Apply for a Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN)
A TEN suspends the requirement for a licence because the owner has notified us that they are currently taking steps to change the way the house in multiple occupation (HMO) is occupied. This could be, for example, where they are seeking planning permission to convert the HMO into a single-family dwelling or the property has been put up for sale.
The local authority may, if they think fit, serve on that person a TEN in respect of the house. If a TEN is granted the HMO is exempt from licensing and the manager/owner does not commit the offence of operating an HMO without a licence.
A TEN can only be granted for a period of three months beginning on the date that it is served. In exceptional circumstances the local authority may issue a second TEN to last a further three months following the expiry of the original.
For a second TEN to be considered, an application must be made before the first TEN has expired. If it is decided not to serve a Temporary Exemption Notice in response to an application the applicant will be informed of:
- the decision
- the reason for the decision and the date on which it was made
- the right to appeal against the decision
- the period within which an appeal may be made
The person concerned may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against the decision within a period of 28 days beginning on the date that the refusal was made.