Licensing guides for UK landlords
HMO, additional and selective licensing across England, Wales, Scotland and NI.
Article 4 directions and HMO planning permission
Article 4 Directions allow local authorities to restrict permitted development rights, often requiring planning permission for converting family homes into smaller HMOs. This guide explains their impact on landlords.
7 min read
HMO licence application: a step by step guide
Mandatory licensing catches most houses with five or more occupiers in two or more households. Additional schemes catch many smaller ones.
4 min read
HMO room size and amenity standards
HMOs must meet strict room size and amenity standards to ensure tenant safety and comfort. These are legal requirements enforced by local authorities and form a crucial part of HMO licensing.
6 min read
Licensing penalties and how to appeal them
Landlords can face significant penalties for non-compliance with property licensing rules. This article details the types of penalties, maximum fines, and the process for appealing enforcement decisions.
7 min read
Rent Smart Wales licensing guide
Rent Smart Wales is mandatory for landlords and agents managing rental properties in Wales. This guide explains the registration, licensing, and training requirements.
7 min read
Scotland: landlord registration and the repairing standard
This guide outlines the compulsory landlord registration scheme and the Repairing Standard in Scotland, detailing landlord responsibilities and compliance requirements. Non-compliance carries significant penalties.
7 min read
Selective licensing explained
Selective licensing is a scheme where local authorities require all private rented properties in designated areas to be licensed. It aims to improve housing standards and management in specific localities.
8 min read
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