HMO licensing in Vale of White Horse
Verified by a human · 12 July 2026Do you need an HMO licence in Vale of White Horse?
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Vale of White Horse property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. Vale of White Horse 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 Vale of White Horse. 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 (HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households, excluding purpose-built self-contained flats in blocks of three or more self-contained flats).
Article 4 direction
We have not confirmed the Article 4 position for Vale of White Horse yet. Ask the council's planning department before converting a property, because getting this wrong can mean an enforcement notice.
Licence fees (2026)
| Application | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £1,034 | |
| Renewal | £1,034 | |
| Validity | 5 years |
Many councils split payment into two stages following the Gaskin ruling. The figures above are totals.
Track your Vale of White Horse 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 Vale of White Horse 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.
Vale of White Horse HMO questions, answered plainly
Do I need an HMO licence in Vale of White Horse?+
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Vale of White Horse 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. Vale of White Horse 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 Vale of White Horse?+
A new mandatory HMO licence in Vale of White Horse costs £1,034, and renewal costs £1,034. The licence runs for 5 years. Fees change with council budgets, so confirm before applying.
Does Vale of White Horse have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?+
We have not yet confirmed the Article 4 position for Vale of White Horse. Check with the council's planning department before converting a property.
What are the minimum room sizes for an HMO in Vale of White Horse?+
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. Vale of White Horse may also apply local amenity standards for kitchens and bathrooms, so check before letting.
What happens if I run an unlicensed HMO in Vale of White Horse?+
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 Vale of White Horse 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
- Vale of White Horse 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 Vale of White Horse council or a qualified professional before acting.