Landlord licensing in Bristol City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory licensing applies to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households who share amenities, regardless of the number of storeys. This is a national scheme.

Additional licensing

Yes, Bristol City Council has designated the following wards for additional licensing: Ashley, Easton, and Lawrence Hill. This applies to all HMOs with three or four occupants, forming two or more households, who share amenities, not just those in the designated wards.

Selective licensing

Yes, Bristol City Council currently has designated specific wards for selective licensing, requiring all privately rented properties within these areas to be licensed. The current scheme applies to the wards of Bedminster, Brislington West, Central, Cotham, Easton, St George Troopers Hill, and Windmill Hill. Check the council's website for an up-to-date map and exact dates of designation.

Typical fees

From approximately £1,300 for 5 years, with potential discounts for accredited landlords.

Towns covered

Bristol, Clifton, Bedminster, Easton

What this means for you

If you let a property in Bristol City Council, check whether it falls within a licensing designation before you advertise it. Properties let without a licence can lead to a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence and a Rent Repayment Order for up to 12 months of rent. All landlords must provide a written tenancy agreement to tenants, comply with the new Decent Homes Standard, register with the national landlord register, and meet the property portal requirements as mandated by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Confirm the licensing status by postcode on the council website, keep gas, electrical, and EPC certificates current, and store the licence with your compliance records.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website