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Property Licensing Guide for York

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.

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York Property Licensing Schemes

Got questions about licensing schemes in York? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in York 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.

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What are the licensing requirements for York? 

Mandatory licensing in York

Mandatory licensing is required in York if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form 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 York? 

Additional licensing requires that smaller HMO’s in a given area must obtain a licence. A smaller HMO is defined as a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household. 

York council currently operates one additional licensing scheme running from 1st April 2023 until 31st March 2028. The scheme covers the following wards: 


  • Clifton
  • Fishergate
  • Fulford & Heslington
  • Guildhall
  • Heworth
  • Hull Road
  • Micklegate
  • Osbaldwick & Derwent

Do I need a selective licence in York?

Selective licensing expands the scope of licence requirements to all privately rented properties in a given area, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed. 

York Council does not currently operate any selective licensing schemes

How do I apply for a licence?

York Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for York. Get in touch with us here to find out more.

How much does a license cost?

3 – 6 occupants (additional and mandatory): £1,382 

7 – 9 occupants (mandatory): £1,613 

Fees increase per occupants and can be discounted if the licence holder attends a training course. For more details see the full fees page here

These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of August 2024.

Get instant access to compliance reports across all properties

Kamma uses data-driven technology to help landlords and lettings agents deal with complex licensing compliance effortlessly. Find out how Kamma’s software can keep you compliant across your portfolio.

  • Clear actionable advice for every property in your portfolio
  • Instant notification of any licensing changes affecting one of your properties
  • Access property licensing experts to manage the licensing application on your behalf

What happens if I don't get a licence in York?

Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by York Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.

If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.

Frequently asked questions: 

Is York council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?

As of now, York Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes,

Why did York Council introduce additional licensing measures?

York introduced Additional Licensing to address the poor management and safety standards in a significant proportion of the city’s Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), particularly in areas with high concentrations of such properties. The scheme was necessary because over 3,000 HMOs in York were identified, with only about one-third regulated under the existing mandatory licensing scheme. Initial inspections of unlicensed HMOs revealed them to be 3.61 times more likely to present fire safety hazards compared to licensed properties, underscoring the need for broader regulation to improve housing conditions

What impact did previous HMO licensing have on housing conditions in York?

Previous licensing efforts in York showed significant improvements in housing conditions. For instance, the number of Category 1 hazards, such as fire safety issues, dropped substantially after properties were licensed. Specifically, initial inspections found HMOs were 3.61 times more likely to have fire safety hazards compared to those inspected during licence renewals, indicating that licensing helped improve safety and overall property management

What challenges did York Council face in managing unlicensed HMOs?

York faced substantial challenges managing unlicensed HMOs, with over 2,000 properties estimated to fall outside mandatory licensing. Unlicensed HMOs were found to be at higher risk of non-compliance with safety standards, including a 6.39 times higher likelihood of requiring Hazard Awareness Notices compared to licensed properties. This demonstrated a clear need for extending licensing to improve living conditions and ensure consistent management across the private rental sector​

Haringey Property Licensing

About York

York, a city in northern England, is a historic and cultural hub located in North Yorkshire. Founded by the Romans as Eboracum in 71 CE, it became the northern military headquarters. York later evolved into the ecclesiastical capital of northern England under the Anglo-Saxons and retained its significance through the Middle Ages. Known for its well-preserved mediaeval architecture, including the York Minster and ancient city walls, York is also a modern centre for education, transportation, and tourism, with a population of nearly 200,000.