Do I need an HMO licence in Sefton? (2026)
Last updated 2026-06-20
In Sefton, an HMO licence is required where a property is let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Sefton operates Mandatory, Additional, Selective licensing, which can require a licence for smaller shared homes below the mandatory threshold. The council fee is £950, paid directly to Sefton. Get HMO Licence completes and submits the whole application for £599.
Check & start my Sefton application — £599
- Licence needed?
- Yes, where a property is let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet
- Schemes in operation
- Mandatory, Additional, Selective licensing
- Council fee
- £950
- Processing time
- check with Sefton
- Article 4
- check with Sefton
How much does an HMO licence cost in Sefton?
The council fee for an HMO licence in Sefton is £950, with our done-for-you service at £599.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Council fee — on application (Part A) | check with Sefton |
| Council fee — on grant (Part B) | check with Sefton |
| Council fee — total (paid to the council) | £950 |
| Get HMO Licence — we do it for you | £599 |
| Measured floor plan where the council requires a scaled plan | Price on request |
| Fire risk assessment where required for the licence | Price on request |
Verified 2026-06-20
The council’s own fee is paid directly to the council — we add no markup.
Scheme types in Sefton
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to larger HMOs (5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet).
- Sefton operates additional licensing, which can cover smaller HMOs.
- Sefton operates selective licensing for certain rented homes in designated areas.
Article 4 directions in Sefton
Article 4 status — check with Sefton.
Local rules in Sefton
- No Part A/B split; £250 paid upfront, balance on production of draft licence.
- Accreditation discount: £800 (Sefton/NRLA accredited) or £750 (accredited managing agent).
- +£30 per additional unit in the same building; renewal £900.
How long does it take in Sefton?
Sefton does not publish a standard processing time — we confirm the current timescale with Sefton when we submit your application.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an HMO licence in Sefton?
The council fee for an HMO licence in Sefton is £950. Get HMO Licence completes and submits the application for £599.
How long does an HMO licence take in Sefton?
Sefton does not publish a standard processing time — we confirm the current timescale with Sefton when we submit your application.
Does Sefton have additional or selective licensing?
Sefton operates Mandatory, Additional, Selective licensing, so smaller shared homes can also need a licence.
Can Get HMO Licence apply for my Sefton HMO licence for me?
Yes. Get HMO Licence completes and submits your Sefton HMO licence application for £599, with the council fee paid directly to Sefton.
Renting a shared home in Sefton? You may need an HMO licence.
Operating an unlicensed HMO risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months’ rent (Renters' Rights Act 2025).
We handle the whole application for £599.
Doing it yourself is the best part of a day — chasing certificates and decoding your council’s forms. We give you that day back: about five minutes from you, and we handle the rest.
Start my Sefton application — £599What you get
- Your day back — about five minutes of input from you, not a day of paperwork
- We complete and submit the full application to your council
- All the right forms for your council’s scheme
- A document checklist so nothing is missed
- A specialist review before submission
- Email support throughout
The council’s own fee (around £950) is paid directly to the council — no markup.
If we make an error that gets your application rejected as incomplete, we fix it free. We can never guarantee a licence. That decision is the council’s.
Secure payment via Stripe.
Prefer we call you and take it from here?
Leave your details — no payment to enquire — and we’ll confirm Sefton’s scheme and handle the whole application for you.
Prefer to DIY? Sefton HMO register →