East of England · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in Colchester
✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Colchester 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.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Each letting room or bedroom | £75 |
- Renewal £1,000 (£475 + £475) plus £75 per room above 5
Colchester — colchester.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
Colchester does not operate a selective licensing scheme. The council's own page states: "We do not operate additional or selective HMO licensing and there are no Article 4 directions relating to HMOs within the City." Source: https://www.new.colchester.gov.uk/licensing/other-licences/house-multiple-occupation-licensing Checked 2026-08-05. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Colchester does not operate a additional licensing scheme. The council's own page states: "We do not operate additional or selective HMO licensing and there are no Article 4 directions relating to HMOs within the City." Source: https://www.new.colchester.gov.uk/licensing/other-licences/house-multiple-occupation-licensing Checked 2026-08-05. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Common questions
Does Colchester have a selective licensing scheme?
No. Colchester 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 Colchester have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. Colchester 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 Colchester?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Colchester, 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 of England →
Source: Colchester licensing page →
Every landlord in Colchester 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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