Yorkshire and the Humber
HMO licensing in York
City of York Council requires a mandatory licence for HMOs occupied by 5 or more people from 2 or more households. It also runs additional licensing, which brings smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) into licensing. The published licence fee starts at £1,524.
Mandatory licence
5+ people, 2+ households
National scheme
Additional / selective
Additional
Council-designated schemes
Licence fee
From £1,524
Decision time
Not published
Licensing schemes in York
York's additional HMO licensing scheme covers HMOs with 3 or 4 occupants forming more than one household in 8 wards: Clifton, Fishergate, Fulford & Heslington, Guildhall, Heworth, Hull Road, Micklegate and Osbaldwick & Derwent. It came into force on 1 April 2023 and ceases on 31 March 2028; no renewal consultation has been published yet.
- In force from
- 1 April 2023
- Scheme ends
- 31 March 2028
Verified 24 September 2026
Licence fees
The published fee for a new HMO licence is £1,524, and £1,524 to renew. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.
HMO licensing fee table 2026-2027, Band A (3 to 6 occupants), full licence: first stage fee £914 + second stage fee £610 = £1,524. The council states fees for HMO licence renewals are the same as the full HMO licence fees. Effective 1 April 2026; fees increase each 1 April. VAT exempt. A £75 discount applies to the second stage fee for licence holders with a relevant HMO qualification (not included in total). Other bands: B (7 to 9) £1,067 + £712 = £1,779; C (10 to 14) £1,166 + £778 = £1,944; D (15+) £1,312 + £874 = £2,186.
Fee source: york.gov.uk (checked 2 October 2026). Fees change during the year, so check the council before you apply.
Additional and selective licence fees
Fees for council-designated schemes are set separately from the mandatory HMO fee. Figures are the standard full-rate fee for a new licence, before any discounts.
Additional licence
£1,524
Ranges from £1,524 to £2,186
Band A (3 to 6 occupants) HMO licence for 2026-27, paid in two stages: first stage £914 once the application is assessed as complete + second stage £610 when the decision to grant is made. The council publishes one fee table for all HMO licences (additional licensing covers HMOs with 3 or 4 occupants).
£75 off the second stage fee for licence holders who have attended a recognised HMO training course. Fees are VAT exempt and increase each 1 April.
Scheme: From 1 April 2023
Checked 2 October 2026 against york.gov.uk
Documents you will need
- Gas safety certificate (CP12) — Within the last 12 months for every gas appliance on the property.
- EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report, dated within the last five years.
- EPC — Valid Energy Performance Certificate for the property.
- Floor plan with room dimensions — To scale, showing every room and its floor area against the HMO minimums.
- Fire risk assessment — Current assessment of the property's means of escape, alarms and compartmentation.
Sources
Compiled from the council’s own published pages and documents; data reviewed September 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with City of York Council before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.