Landlord licensing in Forest of Dean Council
South West · England
Licensing at a glance
- HMO licensing
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties occupied by five or more people, forming two or more households, who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
- Additional licensing
- Forest of Dean Council does not currently operate an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs.
- Selective licensing
- Forest of Dean Council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
- Typical fees
- Mandatory HMO licence fees apply. Please refer to the council's website for current fee structures and any potential discounts for accredited landlords.
- Towns covered
- Forest of Dean
What this means for you
If you let a property in the Forest of Dean Council area, your first step is to confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more occupiers, forming two or more households, who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) has introduced significant changes, including a national landlord database and ombudsman. Whatever the specific licensing position, maintain a comprehensive evidence pack for every Forest of Dean Council tenancy. This should include 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 begins.
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 Forest of Dean Council before letting. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.