Landlord guide: Somerset Council
What landlords and letting agents need to know about property licensing, safety certificates and compliance in Somerset Council.
Overview
If you let a property in the Somerset 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, and designations are specific to areas. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Always check the council's own licensing pages for current designations, fees, and boundaries before each new tenancy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces periodic assured tenancies and ends section 21 evictions. For every Somerset Council tenancy, keep an evidence pack including 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.
Licensing in Somerset Council
Mandatory 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: Somerset Council currently has no additional licensing schemes in operation. If one is introduced, it would extend licensing to smaller HMOs and would be ward or street specific.. Selective licensing: Somerset Council currently has no selective licensing schemes in operation. If one is introduced, it would require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets..
Fees and applications
Fees change each year — check the council website for the current schedule. Apply or check a designation at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/housing-options/private-rented-housing/.
Safety and compliance
Keep an annual gas safety record where there is gas, a valid EICR every five years, a current EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and evidence that you served the required statutory documents at the start of the tenancy.
Renters' Rights Act 2025
Assured shorthold tenancies are replaced by periodic assured tenancies, section 21 is abolished and the possession grounds change. Landlords in Somerset Council should review notices, rent increase procedure and record keeping ahead of the main provisions commencing in 2026.
Councils covered
Local rules change frequently. Always confirm licensing designations and fees with the council for the exact address before letting. This guide is general information, not legal advice.