East of England · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in East Cambridgeshire

✓ Hand-verified 18 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, East Cambridgeshire 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

East Cambridgeshire 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 "All houses of multiple occupation must be licenced. This is to make sure they are safe, particularly in the case of a fire, and that people living in shared houses or flats have decent facilities", framing licensing around the mandatory HMO test. No selective designation appears on the council domain and no consultation was found 2020-2026.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 18 Aug 2026): the council HMO licensing information page presents the mandatory regime as the only licensing operating, with no s.56 additional designation anywhere on the council domain. Mandatory fee not published on the page reviewed.

Common questions

Does East Cambridgeshire have a selective licensing scheme?

No. East Cambridgeshire 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 East Cambridgeshire have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. East Cambridgeshire 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 East Cambridgeshire?

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

Every landlord in East Cambridgeshire 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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