Landlord licensing in Cambridge City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory licensing applies to all Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households.

Additional licensing

An additional licensing scheme is in effect, renewed for a further five years from 2024. This scheme covers all HMOs occupied by three or four unrelated persons forming two or more households, which are not subject to mandatory licensing.

Selective licensing

No current scheme

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence: £1,100. Additional HMO licence: £1,100.

Towns covered

Cambridge, Mill Road, Chesterton

What this means for you

If you let a property in Cambridge City Council, check whether it falls inside a licensing designation before you advertise it. Properties that require a licence but are let without one 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 ensure their property meets the Decent Homes Standard and the requirements of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Confirm the licensing status by postcode on the council website, ensure gas and electrical safety checks are current, provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate, and store the licence with your compliance records.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website