Do I need an HMO licence in Sefton?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Sefton runs 2 additional or selective schemes 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 Sefton?

Sefton has 2 schemes in force on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme 2023-2028 (Bootle) (from Re-designation approved 18 October 2022; in force 1 March 2023 for five years (the first scheme began March 2018)); Additional (HMO) Licensing Scheme 2023-2028 (from Extended until February 2028 after a consultation that ended 31 July 2022 (the first scheme began March 2018)). 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 Sefton?

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

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Sefton 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 Sefton?

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

Sefton HMO licensing guide

Sefton HMO licence — do you need one?

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

Which licence do you need in Sefton?

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

Active and upcoming schemes

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

SelectiveEffective: Re-designation approved 18 October 2022; in force 1 March 2023 for five years (the first scheme began March 2018)

Selective Licensing Scheme 2023-2028 (Bootle)

Applies to all privately rented properties in designated parts of Bootle. HMOs that need a mandatory HMO licence (5 or more people) are excluded and apply for a mandatory licence instead.

Read the original announcement →

Additional HMOEffective: Extended until February 2028 after a consultation that ended 31 July 2022 (the first scheme began March 2018)

Additional (HMO) Licensing Scheme 2023-2028

Covers smaller HMOs rented to at least three unrelated people in designated parts of Seaforth, Waterloo, Brighton-le-Sands and central Southport. It affects landlords of those smaller HMOs.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Sefton-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 Sefton — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Sefton?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Sefton runs 2 additional or selective schemes 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 Sefton?: Sefton has 2 schemes in force on our register: Selective Licensing Scheme 2023-2028 (Bootle) (from Re-designation approved 18 October 2022; in force 1 March 2023 for five years (the first scheme began March 2018)); Additional (HMO) Licensing Scheme 2023-2028 (from Extended until February 2028 after a consultation that ended 31 July 2022 (the first scheme began March 2018)). 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 Sefton?: 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. Sefton's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Sefton?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Sefton 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 Sefton?: HMO licence applications in Sefton are handled by Sefton 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 Sefton schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Sefton Council before letting or applying for a licence.