Plans to introduce an additional licensing scheme for smaller shared rented homes across the borough have been approved, following a public consultation.
The scheme requires all HMO properties with 3 or 4 tenants from 2 or more households to be licensed.
Small HMOs, subject to the licensing conditions, will need to be licensed from 5 January 2026. The scheme will run until 4 January 2031.
View or download a copy of the additional licensing scheme.
Additional HMOs licensing scheme (PDF, 935.48 KB)Public consultation
A public consultation took place from 27 June to 31 August 2025.
View or download the consultation documents.
Additional HMOs licensing consultation report (PDF, 388.91 KB) Additional HMOs licensing scheme consultation comments and representations (PDF, 553.38 KB) Additional HMOs licensing area map (PDF, 439.58 KB)Additional licensing scheme designation
View or download the designation document which includes the area covered by the scheme and the types of properties that require a licence.
Designation for Additional HMOs licensing scheme (PDF, 9.75 MB)