Landlord licensing in Cotswold Council
South West · England
Licensing at a glance
- HMO licensing
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
- Additional licensing
- Cotswold Council does not currently operate any additional licensing schemes for smaller HMOs.
- Selective licensing
- Cotswold Council does not currently operate any selective licensing schemes for private rented homes.
- Towns covered
- Cotswold
What this means for you
If you let a property in the Cotswold Council area, first determine which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties let to five or more people from two or more households who share facilities. As of 2026, Cotswold Council does not operate additional or selective licensing schemes. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) replaces fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies, ends Section 21 no-fault evictions, and introduces a national landlord database and ombudsman. Regardless of licensing, maintain an evidence pack for every Cotswold Council tenancy: a current gas safety record, 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.
Official links
Licensing designations, fees and boundaries change regularly. This page is a general summary, not legal advice — always confirm the position for the exact address with Cotswold Council before letting. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.