HMO licensing in Bolton
Verified by a human · 11 July 2026Do you need an HMO licence in Bolton?
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Bolton property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. Bolton does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them.
Licensing schemes in force
Mandatory HMO licensing
Applies district-wide to HMOs with 5+ occupants forming 2+ households. National scheme under the Housing Act 2004, Part 2. It has no end date and never lapses.
Additional licensing
No additional scheme currently operates in Bolton. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) do not need a licence. We track consultations, so this page updates if that changes.
Selective licensing
No selective scheme is in force. Selective licensing covers all privately rented homes in a designated area, not just HMOs.
Council summary: Mandatory licensing (all HMO's with five or more tenants, forming two or more households, which share some facilities regardless of the number of storeys; purpose built flats with up to two flats in the block and where one or both of the flats are occupied by five or more people forming two or more households).
Article 4 direction
An Article 4 direction removes permitted development rights for HMO conversion in part or all of Bolton. Converting a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4) needs planning permission inside the direction area. Large HMOs of 7+ occupants are sui generis and always need permission.
“On Friday 13 June 2025 Bolton Council introduced a boroughwide immediate Article 4 Direction removing the permitted development right to convert a dwellinghouse (Class C3) into an House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Class C4) for up to six residents. The effect of this is that as of 13 June 2025 all such conversions require planning permission. ... On 14 November 2025 Bolton Council confirmed the introduction of the immediate Article 4 Direction.”
Licence fees (2026)
| Application | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £893.67 | |
| Renewal | £893.67 | |
| Validity | 5 years |
Many councils split payment into two stages following the Gaskin ruling. The figures above are totals.
Track your Bolton HMO
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Start freeRoom sizes and amenity standards
| Standard | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom, 1 adult | 6.51 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, 2 adults | 10.22 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, child under 10 | 4.64 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
Local standards are where councils differ most, and they change without notice. Confirm with Bolton council before letting a room.
What you need to apply
- Gas safety certificate (CP12), current
- Electrical installation condition report (EICR), within 5 years
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting test certificates
- Floor plan with room sizes marked
- Fit and proper person declaration
- Energy performance certificate (EPC), E or above
What changed
- Page verified against current council sources.
- Renters' Rights Act commencement. Periodic tenancies noted in guidance.
Bolton HMO questions, answered plainly
Do I need an HMO licence in Bolton?+
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Bolton property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. This is the England-wide mandatory rule under the Housing Act 2004. Bolton does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them. Confirm the current position with the council before accepting tenants.
How much does an HMO licence cost in Bolton?+
A new mandatory HMO licence in Bolton costs £893.67, and renewal costs £893.67. The licence runs for 5 years. Fees change with council budgets, so confirm before applying.
Does Bolton have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?+
Yes. An Article 4 direction is in force in Bolton (or part of it), which means planning permission is required to convert a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4, up to 6 occupants). Check the exact boundary with the planning department, because directions often cover specific wards rather than the whole district.
What are the minimum room sizes for an HMO in Bolton?+
National minimums apply: 6.51m² for one adult, 10.22m² for two adults, and 4.64m² for a child under 10. Rooms under 4.64m² cannot be used for sleeping. Bolton may also apply local amenity standards for kitchens and bathrooms, so check before letting.
What happens if I run an unlicensed HMO in Bolton?+
Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004. The council can prosecute (unlimited fine) or issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence. Tenants can claim back up to 12 months of rent through a Rent Repayment Order, and Section 21 notices are invalid while the property is unlicensed.
Neighbouring councils
Know where your Bolton HMO stands.
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Sources
- Bolton council HMO licensing pages (checked 11 July 2026)
- Housing Act 2004, Part 2 (mandatory licensing framework)
- Licensing of HMOs (Mandatory Conditions) Regulations 2018 (room sizes)
HMOJO surfaces licensing information and shows its sources. It is not legal advice and we never certify that a property is compliant. Rules change, so confirm with Bolton council or a qualified professional before acting.