Landlord licensing in Swale 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.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees can be found on the council's website.

Towns covered

Swale

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Swale Council area, check which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more people forming two or more households sharing facilities. Additional licensing can extend this to smaller HMOs, with designations running for up to five years and often being ward or street-specific. Selective licensing may require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Always check current designations and requirements on the council's own licensing pages before each new tenancy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025, with main provisions commencing 2026, introduces periodic assured tenancies, ends section 21 no-fault evictions, and establishes a national landlord database and ombudsman.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website