Do I need a Licence

HMO Licensing

Hello
I had previously paid for a HMO licence with our local council. Cheque cashed as was nearly 2 years ago. I know the housing officer very well...
Long story short speaking to him today and told him... He said it should of been dealt with by a colleague of his.

He's mentioned it but come back to me saying it doesn't need one because all the flats are self contained. I've asked him to send me that in an e mail which he has done.

I replied to him saying because there was 6 self contained flats I thought it needed one.

He's replied saying the money will be credited back to me ....

Am I correct in thinking he's wrong ?

It's a 3 storey building with 6 tenants unrelated ?

Thanks
Mark