HMO licensing in Telford and Wrekin
Verified by a human · 12 July 2026Do you need an HMO licence in Telford and Wrekin?
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Telford and Wrekin property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. Telford and Wrekin is moving toward additional licensing but the scheme is not yet in force. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) are currently unlicensed, though management regulations 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
An additional licensing scheme has been approved but is not yet in force. Once it starts, smaller HMOs in the designated area will need a licence.
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 (Privately let properties with five or more occupants forming two or more households). Additional Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation: made not in force.
Article 4 direction
An Article 4 direction removes permitted development rights for HMO conversion in part or all of Telford and Wrekin. 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.
Part 3, Class L
“A Direction was made 16 December 2025 to remove permitted development rights within Part 3, Class L of the General Permitted Development Order 2015 for the change of use of a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) into a small HMO (Use Class C4) for up to 6 residents. This Direction was confirmed 26 February 2026 and will come into force 27 February 2027.”
Licence fees (2026)
| Application | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £1,522.42 | |
| Renewal | £1,522.42 | |
| Validity | 5 years |
Many councils split payment into two stages following the Gaskin ruling. The figures above are totals.
Track your Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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.
Telford and Wrekin HMO questions, answered plainly
Do I need an HMO licence in Telford and Wrekin?+
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Telford and Wrekin 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. Telford and Wrekin is moving toward additional licensing but the scheme is not yet in force. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) are currently unlicensed, though management regulations still apply to them. Confirm the current position with the council before accepting tenants.
How much does an HMO licence cost in Telford and Wrekin?+
A new mandatory HMO licence in Telford and Wrekin costs £1,522.42, and renewal costs £1,522.42. The licence runs for 5 years. Fees change with council budgets, so confirm before applying.
Does Telford and Wrekin have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?+
Yes. An Article 4 direction is in force in Telford and Wrekin (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 Telford and Wrekin?+
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. Telford and Wrekin may also apply local amenity standards for kitchens and bathrooms, so check before letting.
What happens if I run an unlicensed HMO in Telford and Wrekin?+
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 Telford and Wrekin 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
- Telford and Wrekin council HMO licensing pages (checked 12 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 Telford and Wrekin council or a qualified professional before acting.