Do I need an HMO licence in Oldham?

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

Oldham has one scheme in force on our register: Oldham Selective Licensing Scheme (Phase 1) (from Commenced 4 July 2022 for a five-year term (per Oldham Council scrutiny minutes)). 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 Oldham?

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

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Oldham 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 Oldham?

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

Oldham HMO licensing guide

Oldham HMO licence — do you need one?

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

Which licence do you need in Oldham?

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

Active and upcoming schemes

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

SelectiveEffective: Commenced 4 July 2022 for a five-year term (per Oldham Council scrutiny minutes)

Oldham Selective Licensing Scheme (Phase 1)

Privately rented homes in designated neighbourhoods of the borough need a selective licence. The council's page refers to specific parts of Oldham and gives the area map and street list in its designation notice, not a ward list. Housing association homes are exempt.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Oldham-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 Oldham — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Oldham?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Oldham 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 Oldham?: Oldham has one scheme in force on our register: Oldham Selective Licensing Scheme (Phase 1) (from Commenced 4 July 2022 for a five-year term (per Oldham Council scrutiny minutes)). 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 Oldham?: 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. Oldham's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Oldham?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Oldham 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 Oldham?: HMO licence applications in Oldham are handled by Oldham 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 Oldham with other areas we track.

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