Do I need an HMO licence in Doncaster?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Doncaster runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Doncaster?

Doncaster currently has one scheme on our register: Doncaster Selective Licensing — Hexthorpe (from 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027). 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 Doncaster?

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. Doncaster's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Doncaster can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Doncaster?

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

Doncaster HMO licensing guide

Doncaster HMO licence — do you need one?

Doncaster has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Which licence do you need in Doncaster?

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-designatedNot in force in Doncaster
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Doncaster · See selective licensing in Doncaster

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Doncaster announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 31 August 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027

Doncaster Selective Licensing — Hexthorpe

Selective licensing covering the Hexthorpe area only. Previous additional HMO scheme ended September 2023 and has not been renewed.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Doncaster-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.
Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.

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HMO licensing in Doncaster — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Doncaster?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Doncaster runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Doncaster?: Doncaster currently has one scheme on our register: Doncaster Selective Licensing — Hexthorpe (from 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2027). 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 Doncaster?: 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. Doncaster's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Doncaster?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Doncaster can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Doncaster?: HMO licence applications in Doncaster are handled by City of Doncaster Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Doncaster HMO?

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Doncaster with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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