Landlord licensing in Medway Council

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

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

Medway

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Medway Council area, first 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, with designations running for up to five years and often ward- or street-specific. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Check current designations on the council's website before advertising. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commence 2026) replaces assured shorthold tenancies with periodic tenancies as the default, ends section 21 no-fault evictions, and introduces a national landlord database and ombudsman. Maintain an evidence pack for every Medway Council tenancy, including a current gas safety record, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and deposit protection and prescribed information.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website