North West · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in Warrington
✓ Hand-verified 5 Aug 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Warrington does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.
Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.
Warrington sets this fee under section 63(3) of the Housing Act 2004. Its current charge is not yet recorded here.
The council’s own licensing page carries the charge that applies today — confirm it there before you budget.
Not established is not the same as free.
Warrington does not operate a selective licensing scheme. The council's own page states: "Warrington Borough Council has no plans to introduce Additional or Selective Licensing anywhere within the Borough." Source: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-09/hmo_licensing_-_further_information.pdf Checked 2026-08-05. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
No active additional HMO licensing scheme in Warrington. Only mandatory HMO licensing under the Housing Act 2004 and the 2018 Order applies — properties occupied by 5 or more persons from 2 or more households who share an amenity require a mandatory licence. Smaller HMOs (3 or 4 occupants) do not require an HMO licence in Warrington, although they remain subject to HMO Management Regulations and may require planning permission under Article 4 Directions in the Central Six Wards. Mandatory HMO licences are valid for five years, are subject to property inspection, and accredited landlords under the Cheshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme are entitled to a 10% reduction in fees.
Common questions
Does Warrington have a selective licensing scheme?
No. Warrington does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Does Warrington have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. Warrington does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Do I need an HMO licence in Warrington?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Warrington, where a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households who share basic amenities. Smaller shared houses may also need a licence where an additional licensing scheme applies.
- Free landlord compliance check — five questions, no account
- Tenancy agreement checker — findings cited to the Act and section
All property licensing in North West →
Source: Warrington licensing page →
Every landlord in Warrington also needs
A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.
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