Additional HMO licensing in Warwick
Yes. Warwick operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
Common questions
Do I need an additional HMO licence in Warwick?
Yes. Warwick operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
Which areas of Warwick does the scheme cover?
Whole district (the entire area of Warwick district, delineated and edged in black on the map at Appendix A of the designation). Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Warwick's scheme end?
The designation runs until 17 January 2029, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£1,092 3 to 5 occupants. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Warwick before budgeting.
The band is set by how many people live in the property, and the licence lasts 5 years.
| Part A | £819 |
| Part B | £273 |
| Total, 3 to 5 occupants | £1,092 |
| 6 to 12 | £1,264 |
| 13 to 20 | £1,448 |
- Late Documents Charge £80.00
- Online payment only
Warwick, read 19 August 2026
What the designation says
Confirmed live scheme (first-party research 19 Aug 2026). The sealed s.56 designation on warwickdc.gov.uk states verbatim: "This designation may be cited as the Warwick District Council Designation for an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation 2023"; "The Designation is made on 9th October 2023 shall come into force on 18th January 2024."; "The Designation shall cease to have effect on 17th January 2029 or earlier if the Council revokes the scheme under Section 60 of the Act."; "The Designation shall apply to the entire area of the Warwick district as delineated and edged in black on the map at Appendix A." It catches "All HMOs as defined by Section 254 of the Act that are occupied by 3 or more persons comprising 2 or more households" and "All HMOs where an HMO declaration is in force under Section 255 of the Act that are occupied by 3 or more persons comprising 2 or more households", so it reaches 3 and 4 occupant HMOs, purpose-built flats, student accommodation and s.257 converted flats where a s.255 declaration is in force. Exemptions: Schedule 14 buildings, HMOs under an Interim or Final Management Order under Part 4, those with a Temporary Exemption Notice under s.62, and those already licensable under s.55(2)(a). Approval chain per the council: "Following a public consultation earlier in the year, Cabinet gave their approval for the introduction of an Additional Licensing Scheme on 9 August 2023 and Council approved the fees and charges associated with the scheme on 26 September 2023." Commencement confirmed on the council news page of 19 January 2024.
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 £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. 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 Warwick before letting.