HMO licensing in Leeds

Which licences a rented house needs in Leeds, and where. England. Checked 7 September 2026.

Leeds runs selective licensing on top of mandatory licensing.

Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Extends HMO licensing to smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) in a designated area.

None found

Council HMO licensing page describes mandatory licensing (5 or more occupants) only; no additional scheme mentioned on the HMO or selective licensing pages

Selective licensing

Every privately rented home in a designated area needs a licence, HMO or not.

StatusIn forceWherenamed areas: parts of Armley, Beeston and Holbeck, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill, Hunslet and Riverside, Gipton and Harehills, and Farnley and Wortley wardsDesignated9 February 2026

Page says selective licensing applies from 9 February 2026 in East, South and West Leeds; end date not stated. Search snippet says designation was made 2025-11-03 (not verified on page)

Council HMO page · Council Article 4 page · HMO Article 4 in Leeds

Check an exact postcode for Article 4

Is a postcode inside an HMO Article 4 area?

See this on every listing.Kerbio puts the Article 4 answer, licensing, the council's HMO register and sold prices on the Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket page itself. Free for 7 days, then £39 a month.

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Sources: Leeds council, gov.uk HMO licensing. Schemes change; confirm with the council before you offer.