Additional HMO licensing in York
Yes. York 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 York?
Yes. York 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 York does the scheme cover?
Eight wards: Clifton, Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington, Guildhall, Heworth, Hull Road, Micklegate, Osbaldwick and Derwent. Designated 17 August 2022. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does York'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?
£1,524 3 to 6. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with York before budgeting.
The band is set by how many people live in the property.
| 3 to 6 | £1,524 |
| 7 to 9 | £1,779 |
| 10 to 14 | £1,944 |
- £75 off stage two for a licence holder with a relevant HMO qualification
York, read 28 August 2026
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 £40,000. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026; possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. 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 York before letting.