Landlord licensing in Leeds City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are occupied by five or more people forming two or more separate households, and who share amenities such as kitchens or bathrooms. Leeds City Council also has additional HMO licensing schemes.

Additional licensing

Yes - Leeds City Council operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs across specific wards, including Headingley, Hyde Park, and Burley, and parts of the City Centre. This scheme applies to HMOs occupied by three or four people forming two or more separate households.

Selective licensing

Yes - Leeds City Council has implemented selective licensing schemes in areas with high proportions of private rented housing, including Beeston and Harehills. Landlords letting properties in these designated areas must obtain a licence regardless of whether they are HMOs.

Typical fees

From around £950 for 5 years

Towns covered

Leeds, Headingley, Hyde Park, Morley

What this means for you

If you let a property in Leeds City Council, you must check whether it falls within a licensing designation before advertising. Operating a licensable property without a licence can lead to civil penalties up to £30,000 per offence, and tenants may seek a Rent Repayment Order for up to 12 months' rent. Ensure all properties meet the new Decent Homes Standard by the 2026 deadline. Keep gas, electrical, and EPC certificates current, and store the licence with your compliance records.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website