The licensing question is local and property specific. Work out which council area and scheme apply before marketing, then record the answer and any application deadline. The HMO guide covers day-to-day management after a shared home is occupied.
Check Leeds and Manchester licensing
Use the exact property address and the responsible council. Leeds selective licensing applies in designated areas from 9 February 2026. Manchester has its own HMO and selective licensing rules; neighbouring boroughs may have separate schemes.
- Leeds City Council: selective licensing and designated areas
- Manchester City Council: property licensing
Local source links checked 30 September 2026. Confirm exemptions, boundaries and current requirements with the council.
Which licensing route should you check?
More than one household sharing facilities
Check mandatory HMO licensingMore than one household sharing facilities
Check additional HMO licensingProperty is inside a designated area
Check selective licensingIdentify the property and household arrangement
A house in multiple occupation is generally occupied by at least three people from more than one household who share facilities. A large HMO normally needs mandatory licensing when five or more people from more than one household share facilities and at least one pays rent.
Check local licensing schemes
Councils can operate additional HMO licensing and selective licensing for other privately rented homes. Search the council website using the full property address or contact the private housing team. Do not assume that rules are the same in neighbouring areas.
- Mandatory HMO licensing
- Additional HMO licensing
- Selective licensing
- Planning permission where relevant
Prepare the application evidence
Applications can require ownership details, manager details, floor plans, room sizes, occupation numbers and current safety certificates. The proposed licence holder must be able to control the property and meet the council conditions.
Manage the licence after approval
Keep the licence and conditions with the property records. Monitor occupancy, safety certificates and renewal dates. Tell the council when ownership, management or occupation changes because the licence may need to be updated or replaced.
