Do I need an HMO licence in Tamworth?

Tamworth 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 Tamworth?

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 Tamworth?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Tamworth 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 Tamworth?

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

Tamworth HMO licensing guide

Tamworth HMO licence — do you need one?

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

Which licence do you need in Tamworth?

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

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

Active and upcoming schemes

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

ConsultationEffective: Consultation launched 20 May 2026; closed 20 August 2026

Proposed additional HMO licensing for 3-4 person HMOs

The council consulted on introducing additional licensing for HMOs with three or four occupants, which fall below the mandatory 5+ person threshold. The council's pages describe it as applying to HMOs in the borough and do not name specific wards.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Tamworth-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 Tamworth — FAQ

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

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