Do I need an HMO licence in East Staffordshire?

For now, only the national mandatory HMO licence is confirmed in East Staffordshire: you need one if you let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. East Staffordshire also has 1 scheme on our register that is approved or proposed but not confirmed as in force yet, so check the dates above — smaller HMOs may need a licence once it starts.

Which property licensing schemes are active in East Staffordshire?

East Staffordshire has no extra licensing scheme confirmed as in force on our register yet. Approved or proposed, but not confirmed as in force yet: New Selective Licensing Scheme — 16 Designated Streets, Burton upon Trent (from 1 January 2027). Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in East Staffordshire?

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. East Staffordshire's approved or proposed scheme(s) could set a lower threshold once in force — see the dates above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in East Staffordshire?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in East Staffordshire 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 East Staffordshire?

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

East Staffordshire HMO licensing guide

East Staffordshire HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in East Staffordshire if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. East Staffordshire has extra licensing approved or proposed but not in force yet (dates below). East Staffordshire Borough Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to East Staffordshire Borough Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in East Staffordshire?

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

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from East Staffordshire announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 22 October 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2031

New Selective Licensing Scheme — 16 Designated Streets, Burton upon Trent (from 1 January 2027)

Landlord Today (19 Oct 2026) reports the council approved a new selective licensing designation covering 16 streets in Burton upon Trent, about 1,100 privately rented homes. It runs 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2031 and follows a public consultation on expanding the existing 2022–2027 scheme. The council page cited here still describes the existing 2022–2027 scheme, so the new designation is confirmed only by trade press.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any East Staffordshire-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 East Staffordshire — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in East Staffordshire?: For now, only the national mandatory HMO licence is confirmed in East Staffordshire: you need one if you let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. East Staffordshire also has 1 scheme on our register that is approved or proposed but not confirmed as in force yet, so check the dates above — smaller HMOs may need a licence once it starts.
Which property licensing schemes are active in East Staffordshire?: East Staffordshire has no extra licensing scheme confirmed as in force on our register yet. Approved or proposed, but not confirmed as in force yet: New Selective Licensing Scheme — 16 Designated Streets, Burton upon Trent (from 1 January 2027). Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in East Staffordshire?: 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. East Staffordshire's approved or proposed scheme(s) could set a lower threshold once in force — see the dates above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in East Staffordshire?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in East Staffordshire 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 East Staffordshire?: HMO licence applications in East Staffordshire are handled by East Staffordshire 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 East Staffordshire schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with East Staffordshire Borough Council before letting or applying for a licence.