Verified · 31 July 2026
Oldham: landlord licensing, explained and verified
Every English council sets its own additional and selective licensing on top of the national HMO rules. This is the current position in Oldham, verified on 31 July 2026. Check any postcode free in 10 seconds with the licence checker.
Mandatory HMO licensing in Oldham
The national rule applies everywhere in England: a house in multiple occupation with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more households must be licensed. In Oldham, the standard licence fee is around £1214. Letting a licensable HMO without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine.
Additional licensing in Oldham
Oldham currently has no additional licensing scheme on record. Only the national mandatory HMO rules apply to shared houses. Councils can designate new schemes after consultation, so this can change.
Selective licensing in Oldham
Oldham runs selective licensing, which covers all privately rented homes in the designated area, regardless of size or occupancy. The scheme runs 04/07/2022 to 03/07/2027, fee from £582. Designated wards: Alexandra, Chadderton South, Coldhurst, Failsworth East, Hollinwood, Medlock Vale, Saddleworth West & Lees, St James', St Mary's, Waterhead, Werneth. A single rented flat or house inside the area needs a licence.
Upcoming licensing changes in Oldham
The current Selective Licensing scheme is due to end on 03/07/2027, which is within the next 12 months relative to today's date (31/07/2026).
What getting it wrong costs
Letting an unlicensed property that needed a licence carries civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property (up to £40,000 for some offences under the Renters’ Rights Act), rent repayment orders of up to 24 months of rent, and you cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice while unlicensed. “I didn’t know” is not a defence.
How fresh is this page?
This page was last verified on 31 July 2026, and we keep it current as schemes and fees change. Rules and fees change (most councils revise fees each April), so always confirm with the council directly before applying.
Licensing in other councils
Every English council sets its own schemes. Nottingham · Nuneaton and Bedworth · Oadby and Wigston · Oxford · Pendle · Peterborough · or browse all councils A to Z.
Letting in Oldham? Know where every property stands.
SUCASA tracks licensing, gas, EICR, EPC, alarms and deposit protection per property, alerts you before anything expires, and warns you when Oldham changes its rules. Free for your first property.
Check what your properties needFAQ
Do I need an HMO licence in Oldham?
Any HMO with 5+ occupants forming 2+ households needs a mandatory licence. Oldham has no additional licensing scheme on record, so smaller HMOs do not currently need a local licence.
Does Oldham have selective licensing?
Yes. Selective licensing covers all privately rented homes in the designated area, currently running until 03/07/2027. Check whether your property's ward is inside the designation.
How much is an HMO licence in Oldham?
The standard mandatory HMO licence fee in Oldham is around £1214. Fees are often multi-part or per-bedroom and usually change each April, so confirm on the council page before applying.
How is this information kept up to date?
This data was last verified on 31 July 2026, and we keep it current as schemes and fees change. Landlords on SUCASA get alerted the moment rules change.