Landlord licensing in Canterbury Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties let to three or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, as per the Housing Act 2004.

Additional licensing

Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Designations run for up to five years and are ward- or street-specific, so confirm the position for the exact address.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Check the current designations before you advertise.

Towns covered

Canterbury

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Canterbury Council area, first confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with three or more tenants forming two or more households sharing facilities. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Designations run for up to five years and are ward or street specific, so confirm the position for the exact address. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Always check the council's own licensing pages before each new tenancy, as designations, fees and boundaries change. Whatever the licensing position, maintain a current gas safety record where there is gas, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts as per the Renters' Rights Act 2025.