HMO licensing in Liverpool
Mandatory, Additional and Selective licensing schemes plus the current Article 4 direction status for converting a dwelling into a small HMO.
Verdict: C3 to C4 HMO conversion
Article 4 applies, planning permission required for HMO conversion
Coverage: Kensington and Fairfield, Picton, Princes Park, Greenbank, parts of Wavertree
In force since: 1 April 2021
Effect: Removes PD right for C3 to C4 conversion in the named wards
Targeted at managing the impact of HMO concentration in student/inner-city wards.
Council Article 4 policy pageMandatory HMO licensing
Statutory- Threshold
- 5+ occupants forming 2+ households with shared facilities
- Fee range
- £1,180-£1,310
- Licence duration
- 5 years
Mandatory licensing is a statutory rule, every council in England and Wales must operate it for properties meeting the threshold.
Additional HMO licensing
In force- Scheme
- City-Wide Additional HMO Licensing
- Coverage
- Whole city
- Threshold
- 3+ occupants from 2+ households
- Fee range
- £820-£1,150
- Scheme expires
- 30 June 2027
One of the broadest schemes in England, every small HMO in Liverpool needs a licence.
Selective licensing
In force- Scheme
- Selective Licensing Scheme
- Coverage
- 16 wards covering ~80% of the private rented sector
- Fee range
- £500-£700
- Scheme expires
- 31 March 2027
Selective licensing covers any private rented property in the designated area, not just HMOs.
Where to apply
Applications go to Liverpool directly, not through us. The council's HMO licensing page is the canonical reference.
Open Liverpool HMO licensing pageVerify before relying on this data. Licensing schemes are renewed every 3-5 years and Article 4 directions can be added or revoked between renewals. This entry was last reviewed on 15 May 2026. The council's own planning and licensing pages are the canonical source. Use this page as a starting point for your due diligence, not the final word.
Buying a property to convert to an HMO?
Our Investor-tier property report includes an Article 4 + licensing check for the specific address, plus yield, ROI, cashflow and HMO market data.