Do I need an HMO licence in Oadby and Wigston?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Oadby and Wigston 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.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Oadby and Wigston?

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

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Oadby and Wigston?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Oadby and Wigston 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 Oadby and Wigston?

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

Oadby and Wigston HMO licensing guide

Oadby and Wigston HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Oadby and Wigston if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Oadby and Wigston's own licensing scheme can also cover smaller lets (details below). Oadby and Wigston Borough Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Oadby and Wigston Borough Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Oadby and Wigston?

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

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Oadby and Wigston announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 5 November 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: Designated 6 February 2025; scheme begins 10 November 2025 and runs for five years

Selective Licensing Scheme 2025-2030 (parts of Wigston and South Wigston)

Full Council designated part of Wigston and South Wigston (listed streets in the Annex A map and Annex B street list) on 6 February 2025. Privately rented houses in the area need a selective licence. Owner-occupied, housing association and council homes are excluded.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Oadby and Wigston-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 Oadby and Wigston — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Oadby and Wigston?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Oadby and Wigston 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 Oadby and Wigston?: Oadby and Wigston has one scheme in force on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme 2025-2030 (parts of Wigston and South Wigston) (from Designated 6 February 2025; scheme begins 10 November 2025 and runs for five years). It 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 Oadby and Wigston?: 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. Oadby and Wigston's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Oadby and Wigston?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Oadby and Wigston 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 Oadby and Wigston?: HMO licence applications in Oadby and Wigston are handled by Oadby and Wigston 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 Oadby and Wigston schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council before letting or applying for a licence.