HMO licensing in Sunderland

Which licences a rented house needs in Sunderland, and where. England. Checked 7 September 2026.

Mandatory HMO licensing only in Sunderland.

Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Extends HMO licensing to smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) in a designated area.

None found

Council HMO page and HMO register page describe mandatory licensing (5+ in 2+ households) only. NRLA reported a borough-wide additional scheme from 5 Jan 2026 to 4 Jan 2031 (fee £830); not on the council pages read. Verify with council before relying on either.

Selective licensing

Every privately rented home in a designated area needs a licence, HMO or not.

None found

No selective scheme on council HMO pages.

Council HMO page · HMO Article 4 in Sunderland

Check an exact postcode for Article 4

Is a postcode inside an HMO Article 4 area?

See this on every listing.Kerbio puts the Article 4 answer, licensing, the council's HMO register and sold prices on the Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket page itself. Free for 7 days, then £39 a month.

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Sources: Sunderland council, gov.uk HMO licensing. Schemes change; confirm with the council before you offer.