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 · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Additional licensing schemes let a council require a licence for HMOs that fall outside mandatory licensing, such as smaller two-storey shared houses.
Who it affects
Typically HMOs with three or four unrelated occupiers sharing facilities, below the five-occupier mandatory threshold.
Standards applied
Councils usually apply similar amenity and fire safety standards to additional licensing as they do to mandatory HMO licences.
Checking designations
Additional licensing areas vary block by block in many cities, so always confirm using the council's official designation map.
Overlap with selective licensing
A property can occasionally fall within both selective and additional licensing designations, but only one licence is normally required.
Frequently asked questions
What is additional licensing?
A scheme a council can introduce requiring licences for HMOs that fall outside the mandatory scheme, typically smaller shared houses.
How do I know if my area has a scheme?
Check the council's licensing pages, or use the RentDocs council licensing database, and re-check before each new tenancy as schemes run for fixed periods.
The RentDocs landlord update
Plain-English UK compliance changes, Renters' Rights Act 2025 updates and new guides — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
This guide is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.