England only
HMO Licensing Checker
Enter a postcode to identify the local authority and see the mandatory HMO licensing position in England, plus any additional or selective schemes recorded for that council.
How HMO licensing works in England
HMO licensing is devolved. This tool answers for England only; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland run separate regimes with different thresholds and registration duties.
In England there are three types of licensing. Mandatory licensing applies to any HMO occupied by five or more people forming two or more households sharing amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom. It is set nationally and a council cannot opt out of it.
Additional licensing extends licensing to smaller HMOs (typically three or four occupants in two or more households) in a defined area, and is designated by the local authority. Selective licensing applies to all privately rented properties in a designated area — not just HMOs. Both are local schemes, both must be formally designated, and both are time-limited.
Because additional and selective schemes are set locally, the position can differ street by street. This tool identifies the responsible council from the postcode and shows any schemes recorded in our database — but the definitive source is always the named local authority.
Official guidance
Houses in multiple occupation: private renting (GOV.UK)
Disclaimer
This tool provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Licensing requirements change; always confirm the current position with the named local authority before letting or managing a property.