Telford & Wrekin HMO licensing guide

Telford & Wrekin HMO licence — do you need one?

Telford & Wrekin has 1 licensing scheme on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Telford & Wrekin announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 27 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: August 2026

Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — Cabinet Approval May 2026, Live August 2026

Following a consultation launched in December 2025 (almost 60% of respondents in support), Cabinet approved the new Additional HMO Licensing Scheme in May 2026. Smaller HMOs (3–4 tenants) will require a licence from August 2026, bringing them in line with requirements for larger mandatory HMOs.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Telford & Wrekin-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.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).
Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Telford & Wrekin — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Telford & Wrekin?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Telford & Wrekin 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 Telford & Wrekin?
Telford & Wrekin currently has one scheme on our register: Additional HMO Licensing Scheme — Cabinet Approval May 2026, Live August 2026 (from August 2026). 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 Telford & Wrekin?
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. Telford & Wrekin's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Telford & Wrekin?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Telford & Wrekin can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent, and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Telford & Wrekin?
HMO licence applications in Telford & Wrekin are handled by Telford & Wrekin Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Telford & Wrekin HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's tenant reference form — free, no account needed — then run an optional credit check from £9 per tenant. Pay per check, no subscription.

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Telford & Wrekin with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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