Landlord licensing in Colchester Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to all properties let to five or more people forming two or more households, who share amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet. Colchester Council also operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs.

Additional licensing

Colchester Council has an additional licensing scheme covering all HMOs that are not subject to mandatory HMO licensing. This includes properties let to three or four people forming two or more households who share facilities. Check the council's website for current designations and requirements.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Designations run for up to five years and you must check the current designations before you advertise a property.

Typical fees

Licence fees for HMO, additional, and selective licensing vary based on the type of licence and property. Fees are generally paid in two parts: an application fee and a grant fee. Refer to the council's website for the most current fee structure and payment details.

Towns covered

Colchester

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Colchester Council area, the first step is to confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share facilities. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) replaces assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies, ends section 21 no-fault evictions and introduces a national landlord database and ombudsman. Whatever the licensing position, maintain the same evidence pack for every Colchester Council tenancy: 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 the required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website