Additional HMO licensing in Charnwood
Yes. Charnwood operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need an additional HMO licence in Charnwood?
Yes. Charnwood operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Charnwood does the scheme cover?
Borough-wide. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Charnwood's scheme end?
The designation runs until 31 March 2028, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£700. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Charnwood before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
- Re-licence before expiry £615; DASH-accredited £615; +£10 per bedroom over 6
Charnwood, read 28 August 2026
What the designation says
Charnwood Borough Council designated a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme on 10 March 2022 under section 56 of the Housing Act 2004. It came into force on 1 April 2023 and ceases on 31 March 2028 unless revoked or extended. It applies to every house in multiple occupation, whatever the number of storeys, occupied by three or four unrelated people, and to all section 257 HMOs, meaning buildings converted into self-contained flats where the building is wholly occupied by tenants. Failing to apply is an offence carrying an unlimited fine on conviction, or a financial penalty of up to £40,000, and up to two years' rent for offences on or after 1 May 2026 (12 months before that date) may be repayable. The £40,000 ceiling applies to offences committed on or after 1 May 2026; the £30,000 ceiling still applies to offences committed before that date.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Charnwood before letting.