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Property Licensing Guide for Warwick
Warwick currently operates additional licensing in 17 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Warwick Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Warwick? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Warwick and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
Not sure whether a Warwick property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Warwick property →What are the licensing requirements for Warwick?
Mandatory licensing in Warwick
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Warwick (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Warwick?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Warwick operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Warwick?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Warwick does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 18 January 2024 to 17 January 2029 — covering Bishop’s Tachbrook, Budbrooke, Cubbington & Leek Wootton, Kenilworth Abbey & Arden, Kenilworth Park Hill, Kenilworth St John’s, Leamington Brunswick, Leamington Clarendon, Leamington Lillington, Leamington Milverton, Leamington Willes, Radford Semele, Warwick All Saints & Woodloes, Warwick Aylesford, Warwick Myton & Heathcote, Warwick Saltisford and Whitnash.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Warwick Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Warwick District Council operates an HMO fee schedule banded by the number of occupiers, paid in two stages:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| HMO (3–5 occupiers) | £1,092 total (Stage 1 £819 + Stage 2 £273). |
| HMO (6–12 occupiers) | £1,264 (£948 + £316). Larger HMOs cost more; renewals are cheaper. |
Fees are set by the council and can change — check Warwick District Council’s HMO licensing page for the full schedule.
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Warwick Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Warwick operate?
Warwick operates additional licensing (18 January 2024 to 17 January 2029), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Warwick need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Warwick, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Warwick property licence?
You can apply through Warwick Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Warwick introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Warwick introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Warwick?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Warwick
Warwick is a district in central Warwickshire, England, located on the southern edge of the West Midlands, just south of Coventry. The district includes the towns of Warwick, Kenilworth, and Royal Leamington Spa, the latter serving as the administrative centre. Warwick and Kenilworth both originated around castles, while Leamington Spa remains a popular spa town. The area covers 109 square miles and had a population of 137,648 in 2011. Notable sites include Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, and various historic buildings. The district blends historic charm with light industries, reflecting its proximity to major West Midlands cities.
Licensing Enforcement in Warwick
Warwick Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
