Landlord licensing in Sunderland City Council

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

Mandatory licensing applies to all HMOs occupied by 5 or more persons living as 2 or more separate households who share or lack a basic amenity (bathroom, toilet, or kitchen). Applies borough-wide across all of Sunderland. Extended from October 2018 to cover all HMOs meeting the occupancy threshold regardless of number of storeys (previously required 3+ storeys).

HMO fee guide

£970

Fee notes

Fee for a new licence (standard 5-bedroom HMO) for 2024/25: £970 total (Part 1: £686 payable at application; Part 2: £284 payable on licence approval). Renewal fee 2024/25: £810 total (Part 1: £526 + Part 2: £284). Additional bedroom charge (beyond 5 bedrooms): £43 per extra bedroom (2024/25). Additional charge for errors on applications: £116 (2024/25). 2025/26 fees document exists but specific amounts were not extractable due to 403 errors on the PDF. Fees are reviewed annually.

Typical licence term

Up to 5 years

Start date shown

6 April 2006

It is a criminal offence to operate an unlicensed HMO where one is required. Landlords can be prosecuted in a Magistrates Court and face an unlimited fine. The council and rent repayment order action may be possible. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. Licence holder is responsible for renewal in advance of expiry. A licence is non-transferable on change of ownership - new owner must apply for a new licence. Room size conditions apply: sleeping accommodation for 1 person over 10 years must be at least 6.51m2; for 2 persons over 10 years at least 10.22m2; for 1 person under 10 years at least 4.64m2. As of 2025, Sunderland has approximately 1,200 HMOs across the city, with 1,065 within the five Article 4 direction wards. An Article 4 direction covers 5 wards requiring all HMOs (large and small) to obtain planning permission before conversion. Property types covered: Any house or flat in multiple occupation with 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing amenities. Includes purpose-built flats (up to 2 in a block) with 5+ occupants from different households sharing amenities. Shared houses occupied by students or young professionals. Properties converted into bedsits with shared facilities. Exemptions or exclusions: HMOs with fewer than 5 occupants (though management standards and room size standards still apply). Owner-occupied properties. Buildings wholly managed by a public body (e.g. a housing association). Licences are non-transferable on property sale.