HMO licensing in Cherwell

Cherwell District Council operates the national mandatory scheme. We found no additional or selective licensing scheme in force or proposed as of September 2026. Councils can introduce one after a public consultation, so it is worth setting an alert.

The published fee for a new HMO licence is £830, and £570 to renew. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.

Two-stage fee, effective 1 April 2026 (Housing Standards Fees and Charges 2026-27). Stage 1 is paid with the application; Stage 2 is due within 14 days of the draft licence (Intention Notice) and the final licence is not issued until both are paid. Fees are exempt from VAT. Four tiers: (A) higher-rate new application where the HMO has been unlicensed for 6+ weeks £500 + 840 = £1,340; (B) standard new application (HMO acquired or became licensable within 6 weeks, or change of licence holder) £500 + 330 = £830; (C) higher-rate renewal where the council has concerns about management or condition £370 + 460 = £830; (D) standard renewal (valid, on-time application, no compliance issues) £370 + 200 = £570. totalGbp is the standard new-application fee (tier B); renewalGbp is the standard renewal fee (tier D). The higher rate also applies if the Stage 2 fee is not paid within 14 days. Fees are flat (not scaled by occupants or bedrooms). No landlord-accreditation discount is published on the council's fees page. Licences are generally issued for five years.

Check the current fee on the council website (cherwell.gov.uk) before you apply.

National minimums for licensed HMOs are 6.51 m² for one adult and 10.22 m² for two adults; councils can apply higher local standards.

• Suitability of means of escape and fire precautions is assessed under HHSRS with regard to LACORS national fire safety guidance; requirements vary by risk (size, storeys, layout, occupants).
• All HMO alarm systems should be mains-powered and interlinked; size of system and test frequency depend on risk.
• A wall-mounted fire blanket in all kitchens and any bedroom containing cooking facilities.
• Fire extinguishers are not required unless a fire risk assessment says otherwise.
• Fire doors must be correctly specified, maintained and not propped open.
• Minimum two double sockets in each letting unit to reduce overloading and extension-lead risk.
• Landlord or manager must keep fire safety equipment inspected and maintained, carry out regular fire risk assessments and give tenants fire safety information.

• Minimum kitchen size (shared houses): 7 m2 for 3-5 people, 10 m2 for 6-10 people; 3+ storey HMOs and smaller houses have additional living/dining room requirements (see HMO Standards 2018 s.3.2). Kitchens minimum 1.8 m wide.
• Each kitchen needs a stainless-steel sink with drainer and hot and cold water (cold from mains), a 1000 x 600 mm undivided worktop plus worktop beside cooker and sink, a 4-ring cooker with oven and grill, and tiled splashbacks. Kitchens available 24 hours a day and no more than two floors from letting rooms.
• Bathroom/WC sharing ratios: 1-4 people: 1 bathroom and 1 WC with wash basin (may be combined); 5 people: 1 bathroom and 1 separate WC; 6-10 people: 2 bathrooms and 2 WCs with basins (one WC may be within a bathroom); 11-15 people: 3 bathrooms and 3 WCs. An occupant with a full en-suite (bath/shower, WC and basin) is discounted from the count.
• Bathrooms and WCs must be lockable and private, not more than one floor from letting rooms, have hot and cold water, tiled splashbacks to baths/showers and basins, and non-slip flooring. A full-size bath is required where children under 10 live.
• All habitable rooms, kitchens and bathrooms need window ventilation of one-twentieth of floor area, with mechanical extract to kitchens and bathrooms where reasonably practicable. Fixed space heating only; pre-payment meters on shared supplies are not accepted.

• HMO licence application form — Complete all required information in the online form (new or renewal). A separate signed declaration is needed if the proposed licence holder differs from the applicant.
• Stage 1 fee payment — £500 (new) or £370 (renewal) with the application; Stage 2 is due within 14 days of the draft licence.
• Floor plan — Upload a floorplan of the property (council also offers a paid desktop plan review at £156 gross).
• Gas safety report — Upload the latest gas safety report.
• Electrical installation condition report (EICR) — Upload the current electrical installation condition report.

• cherwell.gov.uk
• cherwell.gov.uk
• cherwell.gov.uk
• cherwell.gov.uk
• modgov.cherwell.gov.uk
• modgov.cherwell.gov.uk

Compiled from the council’s own published pages and documents; data reviewed September 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with Cherwell District Council before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.