Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole city (HMOs with 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities) | not published to no end date | £1,566 for an HMO with up to 6 bedrooms (£990 application fee plus £576 when the licence is granted); extra charges for larger HMOs |
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A single-household let: no local scheme recorded, but check the council’s site for new consultations.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the City of Wolverhampton Council website. Published fees: Mandatory HMO licensing £1,566 for an HMO with up to 6 bedrooms (£990 application fee plus £576 when the licence is granted); extra charges for larger HMOs.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Wolverhampton states that failing to apply for a licence can lead to an unlimited fine on prosecution and a criminal record, or a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, and you may be banned from running a rental property.
What else to know about City of Wolverhampton Council
- Wolverhampton offers no HMO licence fee discounts, and fees are reviewed every year.
- A late application after an existing HMO licence has expired costs an extra £167.
- Since 14 September 2017 an Article 4 Direction across the whole city means changing a house into a small HMO for 3 to 6 people needs planning permission.
- An officer inspects every HMO before licensing, and the property must be brought up to current standards before the licence is issued.
- The application needs a hand-signed fit and proper questionnaire and declaration, uploaded with the supporting documents.
- A copy of the HMO public register costs £84; viewing it at the council offices by appointment is free.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does City of Wolverhampton Council have selective licensing?
We have no selective licensing scheme recorded for City of Wolverhampton Council as of 9 October 2026.
Does City of Wolverhampton Council have additional HMO licensing?
No additional HMO licensing scheme; HMOs with 3 or 4 tenants do not need a licence in Wolverhampton.
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://hmo.wolverhampton.gov.uk/