South East · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Crawley

✓ Hand-verified 18 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Crawley 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

Crawley 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 18 Aug 2026): the council HMO page states "We are legally obliged to collect and publish a register of HMO licences we have issued... There are no long-term exemptions from licensing of licensable HMOs. However, s62 of the Housing Act 2004 allows a Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN) to be issued". Only mandatory HMO licensing is published; no selective designation and no consultation found 2020-2026.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 18 Aug 2026): only mandatory HMO licensing appears on the council pages. The published 2024-2025 fees guide describes a two-part structure - "The Part 1: Application Fee (payable at point of application) covers the costs incurred by the council up to the point of the decision to issue or refuse the licence. The Part 2: Licence Issue Fee (at point of issuing the licence)" - with a GBP 50 discount per subsequent property in the same financial year. No additional or selective tier exists in that schedule, which is itself evidence no such scheme operates.

Common questions

Does Crawley have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Crawley 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 Crawley have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Crawley 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 Crawley?

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

Every landlord in Crawley 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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