East Midlands · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in Boston
✓ Hand-verified 28 May 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Boston does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.
Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.
Boston 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.
Boston Borough Council operates mandatory HMO licensing only under the Housing Act 2004, applying to properties occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share basic amenities. Additional and selective licensing schemes have NOT been introduced as of April 2026. Boston shares its HMO Licensing Policy 2026-2029 with East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council under shared services arrangements; the policy framework covers mandatory HMO standards only. Mandatory HMO licences are valid for up to 5 years. Total fee is £1046 (£528.50 application + £517.50 issue).
No additional HMO licensing scheme is in force in Boston Borough. Smaller HMOs with 3-4 occupants are not subject to discretionary licensing. The council has not consulted on or designated an additional licensing scheme. Independent verification (Legislate, April 2026) confirms additional licensing has not been endorsed in this borough.
Common questions
Does Boston have a selective licensing scheme?
No. Boston 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 Boston have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. Boston 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 Boston?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Boston, 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.
- Free landlord compliance check — five questions, no account
- Tenancy agreement checker — findings cited to the Act and section
All property licensing in East Midlands →
Source: Boston licensing page →
Every landlord in Boston 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.
Check your Boston property in 30 seconds
Free, no account — see exactly what applies to your property, then let Landlord HQ track every deadline from £9.99/mo.