Do I need an HMO licence in Norwich?

Norwich 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 Norwich?

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 Norwich?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Norwich 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 Norwich?

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

Norwich HMO licensing guide

Norwich HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Norwich if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Norwich is consulting on extra licensing, but nothing is confirmed yet. Norwich City Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Norwich City Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Norwich?

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 Norwich
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsNot in force in Norwich

Norwich has an open consultation on property licensing — the position above may change if a new scheme is confirmed.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Norwich announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 26 October 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

ConsultationEffective: Cabinet approved consultation 9 September 2026

Proposed citywide additional HMO licensing and selective licensing in four wards

Cabinet agreed on 9 September 2026 to consult on citywide additional licensing for smaller HMOs and selective licensing in Nelson, Mile Cross, Sewell and Town Close wards. No scheme has been approved yet.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Norwich-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 Norwich — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Norwich?: Norwich 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 Norwich?: 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 Norwich?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Norwich 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 Norwich?: HMO licence applications in Norwich are handled by Norwich City 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 Norwich with other areas we track.

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