HMO licensing in Liverpool: fees, selective licensing and how to apply
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Liverpool City Council's own published pages on the date above
A mandatory HMO licence in Liverpool starts at £1,328 for a property with up to 5 units, rising in tiers as unit numbers increase, up to a maximum of £3,620 for the largest HMOs (Liverpool City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Liverpool also runs a citywide selective licensing scheme from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027, covering areas including Anfield, Everton, Toxteth and Wavertree - and the council was consulting on a further scheme, with fees due to change from 1 April 2026.
Short on time?Let us prepare your Liverpool HMO application - fixed fee, and we always show you the free official route first.
Get it done for you →This page sets out Liverpool's own published fees and schemes - for the wider system, see our HMO & landlord licensing hub, and for who needs a licence nationally, see do I need an HMO licence?
This is general information sourced from Liverpool City Council's own website, not legal advice - always confirm current fees and area boundaries with the council directly before you apply.
What's different about HMO licensing in Liverpool?
Liverpool prices its mandatory HMO fee by the number of units (bedrooms) in the property rather than a flat rate, so the cost scales directly with how large your HMO is (Liverpool City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Liverpool also runs one of the larger selective licensing schemes outside London, covering a wide swathe of the city under a single designation running to 31 March 2027, with a further scheme under consultation and new fees due from 1 April 2026.
What does an HMO licence cost in Liverpool?
Liverpool's fee table is tiered by units and covers new licences and renewals for up to 5 years (Liverpool City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Shorter licences are charged at 40% (1 year) or 70% (3 years) of the second payment. Read Liverpool City Council's HMO licence guidance →
✓ Checked against Liverpool City Council, 23 August 2026
Does Liverpool run additional or selective licensing?
| Scheme | Status in Liverpool |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Citywide, applies to every large HMO (5+ occupants, 2+ households) |
| Additional licensing | Not confirmed as currently in force this pass - check with the council |
| Selective licensing | Runs 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027, covering areas including Anfield, Everton, Toxteth and Wavertree among others; a further/expanded scheme was under consultation, with fees changing from 1 April 2026 |
Check your exact address against the council's own selective licensing area map, as boundaries don't always follow ward lines.
How do you apply for an HMO licence in Liverpool?
Liverpool applications are made online through LAR - the council's Licensing and Regulations Portal (Liverpool City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
- Check if your property needs a licence and how many units it has.
- Register with LAR at lar.liverpool.gov.uk.
- Complete the application with your property, occupant and safety certificate details.
- Pay the fee for your unit tier, or your chosen shorter-term licence rate.
- Receive your licence, valid for up to 5 years unless the council sets a shorter period due to management, planning or history concerns.
How long does a Liverpool HMO licence take?
Liverpool City Council's pages reviewed for this guide didn't set out a fixed processing timescale (checked 23 August 2026) - confirm current turnaround with the council's licensing team once you've submitted your LAR application.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an HMO licence cost in Liverpool?
From £1,328 for up to 5 units, rising by tier as unit numbers increase, up to a maximum of £3,620 for the largest HMOs. Shorter 1 or 3-year licences cost less.
Does Liverpool have selective licensing?
Yes - a citywide scheme runs 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027 covering areas including Anfield, Everton, Toxteth and Wavertree, with a further scheme under consultation.
How long does a Liverpool HMO licence last?
Up to 5 years, though the council can set a shorter period if the property was previously unlicensed, poorly managed, or lacks the right planning consents.
Where do I apply for a Liverpool HMO licence?
Online through LAR, Liverpool City Council's Licensing and Regulations Portal, at lar.liverpool.gov.uk.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Liverpool City Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal advice - for anything specific to your property, contact Liverpool City Council's licensing team directly.