Do I need an HMO licence in Great Yarmouth?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Great Yarmouth 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 Great Yarmouth?

Great Yarmouth currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme — Live from 1 April 2026 (from 1 April 2026). 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 Great Yarmouth?

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

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Great Yarmouth?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Great Yarmouth 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 Great Yarmouth?

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

Great Yarmouth HMO licensing guide

Great Yarmouth HMO licence — do you need one?

Great Yarmouth 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.

Active and upcoming schemes

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

SelectiveEffective: 1 April 2026

Selective Licensing Scheme — Live from 1 April 2026

Great Yarmouth's new Selective Licensing Scheme went live on 1 April 2026. Letting agents operating in the designated area were required to register with delivery partner Home Safe from that date, and the council hosted multiple landlord and agent workshops ahead of the launch.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Great Yarmouth-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).

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HMO licensing in Great Yarmouth — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Great Yarmouth?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Great Yarmouth 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 Great Yarmouth?: Great Yarmouth currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme — Live from 1 April 2026 (from 1 April 2026). 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 Great Yarmouth?: 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. Great Yarmouth's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Great Yarmouth?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Great Yarmouth 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 Great Yarmouth?: HMO licence applications in Great Yarmouth are handled by Great Yarmouth Borough 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 Great Yarmouth with other areas we track.

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