South East · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Adur

✓ Hand-verified 18 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Adur does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.

Mandatory HMO licenceRequired

Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.

Licence feePaid in two parts
£1,295

Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.

On application£810
On grant£485
Total£1,295
Each unit of accommodation£55

Adur, read 19 August 2026

Selective licensingNot in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 17 Aug 2026): the Adur & Worthing HMO hub (page last updated 13 April 2026) presents mandatory licensing as the only licensing type - "An HMO must have a licence from the council if: five or more persons are living there as more than one household". No selective scheme referenced anywhere on the hub; no consultation or designation found on the council domain 2020-2026.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 17 Aug 2026): the Adur and Worthing HMO hub (page last updated 13 April 2026) is the page telling landlords which licence they need, and it references no additional or discretionary HMO scheme - only mandatory licensing and the general HMO management duties. Two-part mandatory fee: GBP 810 on application plus GBP 485 on grant for five bedrooms or fewer, plus GBP 55 per unit above five, priced 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Common questions

Does Adur have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Adur does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Does Adur have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Adur does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Do I need an HMO licence in Adur?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Adur, where a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households who share basic amenities. Smaller shared houses may also need a licence where an additional licensing scheme applies.

Check your own propertyUnderstanding licensing

All property licensing in South East

Source: Adur licensing page →

Every landlord in Adur also needs

A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.

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Landlord HQ uses AI to analyse legislation and tenancy agreements. While we work hard to ensure accuracy, AI can make mistakes. Always verify compliance requirements with a qualified solicitor. Landlord HQ is an information tool, not legal advice.

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