Additional HMO licensing in York

What the designation says

An additional HMO licensing scheme is in force across eight York wards: Clifton, Guildhall, Heworth, Micklegate, Fishergate, Hull Road, Fulford and Heslington, and Osbaldwick and Derwent. The designation was made on 17 August 2022 under section 56 of the Housing Act 2004, came into force on 1 April 2023 and ceases to have effect on 31 March 2028 unless the council revokes it earlier. It applies to every HMO in those wards that is not already covered by mandatory licensing, with two exceptions: buildings converted entirely into self-contained flats (section 257 HMOs, although the individual flats may still be licensable in their own right), and purpose-built student accommodation managed under a national approved code of practice. Operating an unlicensed HMO in the designated area is an offence under section 72 carrying an unlimited fine, or a civil penalty of up to £30,000, and no section 21 notice may be given while the property remains unlicensed.

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.

York's own licensing page →