Do I need an HMO licence in Charnwood?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Charnwood runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Charnwood?

Charnwood has 2 schemes in force on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme – Hastings and Lemyngton wards, Loughborough (from 1 April 2023; five-year scheme); Borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 1 April 2023 (applications opened 1 February 2023); five-year scheme). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Charnwood?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Charnwood's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Charnwood?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Charnwood can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Charnwood?

HMO licence applications in Charnwood are handled by Charnwood Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Charnwood HMO licensing guide

Charnwood HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Charnwood if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Charnwood's 2 licensing schemes can also cover smaller lets (details below). Charnwood Borough Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Charnwood Borough Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Charnwood?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedIn force in Charnwood
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Charnwood · See selective licensing in Charnwood

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Charnwood announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 5 November 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 1 April 2023; five-year scheme

Selective Licensing Scheme – Hastings and Lemyngton wards, Loughborough

The Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough are designated for selective licensing. Privately rented homes in those wards need a licence.

Read the original announcement →

Additional HMOEffective: 1 April 2023 (applications opened 1 February 2023); five-year scheme

Borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme

The whole borough is designated for additional licensing. Smaller HMOs housing 3 or more people, which are below the mandatory threshold, need a licence from the council.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Charnwood-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Letting an unlicensed HMO can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026) or prosecution, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

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HMO licensing in Charnwood — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Charnwood?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Charnwood runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Charnwood?: Charnwood has 2 schemes in force on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme – Hastings and Lemyngton wards, Loughborough (from 1 April 2023; five-year scheme); Borough-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 1 April 2023 (applications opened 1 February 2023); five-year scheme). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Charnwood?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Charnwood's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Charnwood?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Charnwood can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Charnwood?: HMO licence applications in Charnwood are handled by Charnwood Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Charnwood schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Charnwood Borough Council before letting or applying for a licence.