East of England · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Basildon

✓ Hand-verified 18 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Basildon 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 feeNot established

Basildon sets this fee under section 63(3) of the Housing Act 2004. Its current charge is not yet recorded here.

The council’s own licensing page carries the charge that applies today — confirm it there before you budget.

Not established is not the same as free.

Selective licensingNot in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 17 Aug 2026): the council HMO page states a licence is required where "it is occupied by five or more people; it is home to two or more households; at least one amenity (kitchen, bathroom or toilet) is shared". No selective scheme referenced. Basildon runs an HMO Taskforce (launched Aug 2025) and is bringing forward Article 4 Directions (immediate: St Martins and Nethermayne; non-immediate: all wards) - these are PLANNING controls, not licensing designations. Signals HMO pressure; worth watching for a licensing consultation.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 17 Aug 2026): the council HMO page sets the licence trigger at "five or more people; two or more households; at least one amenity (kitchen, bathroom or toilet) is shared" and describes no s.56 additional scheme. Fee not published on the overview page; applicants are directed to the online application. the HMO Taskforce launched August 2025 and the immediate (St Martins and Nethermayne) and non-immediate (all wards) Article 4 Directions are planning controls, not licensing designations, though they signal HMO pressure.

Common questions

Does Basildon have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Basildon 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 Basildon have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Basildon 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 Basildon?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Basildon, 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 East of England

Source: Basildon licensing page →

Every landlord in Basildon 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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