HMO licensing in Wigan

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

Mandatory HMO licensing only in Wigan.

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

HMO pages describe mandatory licensing only (five or more individuals from two or more households sharing amenities); no additional scheme mentioned. Borough wide Article 4 direction for small HMOs effective 31 August 2025.

Selective licensing

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

None found

'Do I need to apply for a landlord licence' page states Wigan Council DO NOT currently operate a selective licensing scheme in any part of Wigan Borough; an options appraisal on introducing it has commenced. Source: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Business/Property-and-Land/Private-Landlords/Do-I-need-to-apply-for-a-licence.aspx

Council HMO page · Council Article 4 page · HMO Article 4 in Wigan

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