Do I need an HMO licence in Durham?

Durham is currently consulting on property licensing. For now only the national mandatory HMO licence applies — you need one if you let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households — but that may change if a scheme is confirmed.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Durham?

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.

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Durham can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Durham?

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

Durham HMO licensing guide

Durham HMO licence — do you need one?

Durham is currently consulting on private-sector property licensing. There are no confirmed schemes on our register yet, but the consultation may lead to one. This page tracks the latest status.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Durham announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 13 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

ConsultationEffective: Consultation agreed May 2026; current scheme ends 31 March 2027

Proposed Renewal & Revision of Selective Licensing Scheme (Beyond March 2027)

Cabinet was asked in May 2026 to agree a 10-week public consultation on whether to continue and revise the selective licensing scheme beyond its current end date of 31 March 2027. The proposed renewal would cover an estimated 20,000 properties (27% of the county), with some areas removed that no longer meet the statutory criteria.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Durham-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 £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Durham — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Durham?: Durham is currently consulting on property licensing. For now only the national mandatory HMO licence applies — you need one if you let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households — but that may change if a scheme is confirmed.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Durham?: 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.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Durham?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Durham can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Durham?: HMO licence applications in Durham are handled by Durham County Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Durham with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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