Landlord licensing in Watford Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Such properties must be licensed by Watford Council. There is no additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs currently in force.

Additional licensing

Watford Council has an additional licensing scheme for certain smaller HMOs that are not subject to mandatory licensing. The current scheme covers properties with three or four tenants forming two or more households. Check the council's website for scheme details and designated areas.

Selective licensing

Watford Council has a selective licensing scheme in force covering all privately rented homes in specific wards. This includes single-family lets. Always check current designations and scheme details on the council's website before advertising a property for rent.

Typical fees

Refer to the Watford Council licensing website for current fees. Fees are typically charged per property and can vary by scheme.

Towns covered

Watford

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Watford Council area, first confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties let to five or more people forming two or more households who share facilities. Watford Council currently operates additional and selective licensing schemes, so check current designations on the council's licensing pages before each new tenancy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025, with main provisions commencing 2026, replaces assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies and ends section 21 no-fault evictions. Landlords must keep 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 all other required prescribed documents.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website