Do I need an HMO licence for my rental property in Hull?
Five or more tenants, two or more households, shared facilities — that's the threshold. Here's how it works in Hull and what happens if you don't licence.
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your property is let to five or more tenants forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. The old "three storeys" rule has been scrapped, so smaller properties can still be caught. Hull City Council can also apply discretionary licensing to smaller HMOs. Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is a criminal offence.
Does your Hull property meet the HMO threshold?
Mandatory licensing applies to properties let to five or more tenants, forming two or more households, sharing facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. The old rule that the property also had to be three or more storeys has been removed nationally — so lower-rise and smaller properties can now fall within the mandatory scheme if they meet the tenant and household numbers.
On top of that, Hull City Council has discretionary powers to extend licensing to smaller HMOs it considers badly managed, even if they're below the mandatory threshold.
What happens if you operate without a licence
- Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is a criminal offence.
- Rent may not be lawfully collectable, and you could be ordered to repay rent already received.
- Prosecution and financial penalties are possible.
How to apply in Hull
Licence fees are reviewed annually by Hull City Council, so don't rely on a fixed figure — check the current fee schedule on hull.gov.uk. You can contact the council's Private Housing (Environmental Health) team on 01482 300 300 or at housing.standards@hullcc.gov.uk for the up-to-date fee and application process.
Frequently asked questions
What size HMO needs a licence in Hull?
Mandatory licensing applies to properties with five or more tenants forming two or more households sharing facilities. The old three-storeys rule has been removed.
Can Hull City Council licence smaller HMOs?
Yes. The council has discretionary powers to extend licensing to smaller HMOs it considers badly managed.
How do I check the current Hull HMO licence fee?
Fees are reviewed annually. Check hull.gov.uk or contact Hull City Council's Private Housing team on 01482 300 300.
Hull landlords who'd rather have compliance, licensing and management handled for them — or tenants with a question about a notice they've received — can talk to the team at Property Central.