Licensing guides for UK landlords
HMO, additional and selective licensing across England, Wales, Scotland and NI.
HMO rules and licensing explained
Any property with five or more occupiers from two or more households needs a mandatory HMO licence.
8 min read
Selective licensing for landlords
Selective licensing can require a licence for an ordinary single-family let.
6 min read
Selective licensing designations explained
Selective licensing lets a council require a licence for every private rented property in a designated area, regardless of the number of occupiers.
5 min read
Additional licensing for smaller HMOs
Additional licensing schemes let a council require a licence for HMOs that fall outside mandatory licensing, such as smaller two-storey shared houses.
5 min read
Managing agent licensing responsibilities: who is liable?
Appointing a managing agent does not automatically transfer licensing responsibility away from the landlord unless the arrangement is set up correctly.
5 min read
The fit and proper person test for HMO and licence holders
Before granting an HMO or selective licence, councils must be satisfied the applicant, or any person managing the property, is fit and proper.
5 min read