Converting a possibly unlicensed HMO

[kirinm]

We are having a second viewing on a house. The ownership / its use is a bit confused and obviously we need that untangled before we could even consider proceeding.

The house is in an awful state. At some point it was an HMO. The owner has died and left the property to his adult kids who are selling. I don't know if the adult kids live there or if the people we saw are all tenants.

I've searched the council register and can't find a license for the property.

Does anyone know whether we'd have to have permission to change it from an HMO (if it still is one)? Does that position change if there's no license?

I think one of the biggest issues will be getting the tenants (if that is what they are) to leave. They don't strike me as people that will find another home easily and likely need support from the council or social services.

I'll obviously put these questions to the estate agents but I don't think they will really understand and it would only be during the conveyancing we get some answers.

The licence isn't really an important issue.

You need to check the planning records to see whether PP has been given for an HMO. If there is no PP, then it's authorised use is still a single dwelling.
Even if PP has been granted, then in most cases the change of use from HMO (class C4) to residential (class C3) would be permitted development (ie no PP required) assuming no external alterations/extensions. However, you would need to check this with the Council as there may issues specific to your case.

It might depend on the Local Plan as it will reduce affordable housing to rent

Only if planning permission is required.

This is really helpful thanks.