Allerdale Borough Council HMO licence — mandatory & additional schemes

A factual reference page for landlords letting a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Allerdale Borough Council. It explains the England-wide mandatory HMO rules, signposts the council's own additional HMO position, and links to Allerdale Borough Council's published HMO page so you can confirm the current scheme and apply.

Mandatory HMO baseline (England-wide)

Any HMO occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households requires a mandatory HMO licence anywhere in England. The rule sits in the Housing Act 2004 and the Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018. The licence is granted by the local council — in your case, Allerdale Borough Council.

Additional HMO schemes in Allerdale Borough Council

On top of the mandatory scheme, councils can designate additional HMO licensing covering smaller HMOs (typically 3–4 occupants from 2+ households). Our recorded position for Allerdale Borough Council: Cumberland Council (covering the former Allerdale area) states explicitly that it does not currently operate additional HMO licensing schemes or selective licensing for other private rented properties. Mandatory HMO licensing applies where a property is occupied by 5 or more people from more than 1 household sharing facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms.

FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Allerdale Borough Council? If your property is occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households, a mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England — including Allerdale Borough Council. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) may also need a licence if the council has designated an additional HMO scheme. Confirm the current scheme on the council's HMO page.

What counts as a household for HMO purposes? A household is a single person, members of the same family living together (including couples and unmarried partners), or carers/au pairs. The Housing Act 2004 sets the test. Five people who are not all related and don't form a single family unit count as 2+ households.

What's the penalty for letting an unlicensed HMO? Letting an HMO that requires a licence without one is an offence under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004. Councils can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000 in lieu of prosecution, and tenants or the council can apply for a Rent Repayment Order for up to 24 months' rent (doubled from 12 months by the Renters' Rights Act 2025).

Sources: - legislation.gov.uk — Housing Act 2004, Part 2 (HMO licensing) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/part/2 - legislation.gov.uk — Licensing of HMOs (Prescribed Description) (England) Order 2018 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/221/contents/made - GOV.UK — House in multiple occupation (HMO) licence — https://www.gov.uk/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence - Allerdale Borough Council — landlord licensing page — https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/housing/housing-advice/houses-multiple-occupation-hmos - Allerdale Borough Council — HMO licensing page — https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/housing/housing-advice/houses-multiple-occupation-hmos

Last verified: 2026-08-16. Reference data only — always check the council's own page before applying.