HMO licensing in Leicester

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

Leicester 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

Property licensing page lists only HMO (large) and selective licensing; cabinet papers reference a consultation on discretionary (selective and additional) licensing, not verified

Selective licensing

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

StatusIn forceWherenamed areas: parts of Stoneygate, Westcotes, Fosse, Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields, and Saffron wardsDesignated1 October 2022

Introduced October 2022 (month only); page says the scheme will be reviewed in October 2027

Council HMO page · Council Article 4 page · HMO Article 4 in Leicester

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