West Midlands
HMO licensing in Wychavon
Wychavon District Council requires a mandatory licence for HMOs occupied by 5 or more people from 2 or more households. No additional or selective licensing scheme is currently in force in Wychavon (checked September 2026). The published licence fee starts at £820 (£642 to renew).
Mandatory licence
5+ people, 2+ households
National scheme
Additional / selective
None in force
Mandatory licensing only
Licence fee
From £820
Renewal £642
Decision time
Not published
Licensing schemes in Wychavon
Wychavon 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.
Licence fees
The published fee for a new HMO licence is £820, and £642 to renew. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.
Fees from 1 April 2026 depend on occupancy and whether it is a single application or one of several applications submitted together (which qualifies for a lower 'multiple application' rate). Standard licence (5-10 occupants): £820 single / £750 multiple. Increased occupancy 11-15: £1,225 / £1,159. 16-20: £1,427 / £1,361. 21+: £1,630 / £1,567. Renewal licence (5-10 occupants): £642 / £576, rising to £1,457 / £1,392 for 21+ occupants. Certificates already submitted and still in date do not need to be resubmitted at renewal.
Check the current fee on the council website (wychavon.gov.uk) before you apply.
Minimum room sizes
| Double bedroom | 10.22 sqm minimum for two persons over 10 years of age. |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom | 6.51 sqm minimum for one person over 10 years of age; 4.64 sqm for a child under 10 (a mandatory condition that a room below this size may not be used as sleeping accommodation). |
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.
Fire safety requirements
- Remove polystyrene ceiling tiles and discourage the use of portable gas or liquid heaters.
- Ensure electrical wiring is safe and gas appliances are tested annually by a Gas Safe engineer.
- Maintain all fire apparatus, fire alarms and emergency lighting in line with current British Standards, keep escape routes free from obstruction, and provide fire-resistant surface finishes and a sensible internal layout.
- Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority also inspects HMO communal areas under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
Kitchen, bathroom and amenity standards
- The landlord's name, address and telephone contact details must be clearly displayed in the property.
- Firefighting equipment and fire alarms must be serviced and maintained in good working order, with mains-wired smoke detectors, self-closing fire doors and a suitable escape route.
- Water supply, drainage, gas and electricity must be maintained, with annual Gas Safe checks; common parts, fixtures, fittings and appliances must be kept in good repair.
- An electrical safety certificate is required at least every 5 years and a valid EPC of grade E or above at the start of the tenancy.
Documents you will need
- Gas safety certificate (CP12) — Annual Gas Safe check for every gas appliance on the property.
- EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report, dated within the last five years.
- EPC — Valid Energy Performance Certificate of grade E or above at the start of the tenancy.
Sources
Compiled from the council’s own published pages and documents; data reviewed September 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with Wychavon District Council before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.