South East · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Buckinghamshire

✓ Hand-verified 18 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Buckinghamshire 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
£1,050for a 5-bedroom property

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

Each bedroom£50
  • Application arising from enforcement £1,575
  • Copy of licence £44
  • Variation £184
  • HMO advice visit £184

Buckinghamshire — buckinghamshire.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026

Selective licensingNot in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 18 Aug 2026): the council licensing page states "A licence is required when a house in multiple occupation (HMO) is occupied by 5 or more persons in 2 or more households. On 1 October 2018 the scope of mandatory HMO licensing was extended." Only the mandatory regime is described, with separate application portals for the former Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe areas. No selective designation appears on the council domain.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 18 Aug 2026): the council licensing page presents the mandatory five-person threshold as the only licensing trigger and describes no s.56 additional scheme. Fee structure: a non-refundable application fee of GBP 500 plus a licence fee, with GBP 1,050 quoted for a five-bedroom property new or renewal, GBP 1,575 through enforcement, GBP 998 for landlord-association members, and GBP 50 per additional bedroom; licences up to five years. The composition of the quoted total is not stated unambiguously, so no single mandatory figure is recorded.

Common questions

Does Buckinghamshire have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Buckinghamshire 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 Buckinghamshire have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Buckinghamshire 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 Buckinghamshire?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Buckinghamshire, 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: Buckinghamshire licensing page →

Every landlord in Buckinghamshire 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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