South West · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Forest of Dean

✓ Hand-verified 20 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Forest of Dean 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
£1,332.51

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

Part 1£240.88
Part 2£1,091.63
Total£1,332.51
Each letting room£41
  • Renewal: Part 1 £240.88 + Part 2 £989.13, plus £21 per room over six capped at £200

Forest of Dean — fdean.gov.uk, read 20 Aug 2026

Selective licensingNot in force

Forest of Dean District Council presents mandatory HMO licensing as the only licensing regime operating in the district. Its houses-in-multiple-occupation page sets out the mandatory threshold and a two-part fee for that scheme alone, with no reference to any selective designation under s.80 of the Housing Act 2004 anywhere in its housing or private-housing sections. Note that neighbouring Gloucester City has a city-wide ADDITIONAL scheme commencing 21 September 2026; that is Gloucester City and must not be attributed to Forest of Dean. Distinguished also from Stroud, Cotswold, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Gloucestershire County Council. Established 20 Aug 2026 from fdean.gov.uk.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Forest of Dean District Council presents mandatory HMO licensing as the only licensing regime operating in the district, with no reference to an s.56 additional designation anywhere on its housing pages. Gloucester City's city-wide additional scheme commencing 21 September 2026 is a different authority and is not attributed here. Established 20 Aug 2026 from fdean.gov.uk.

Common questions

Does Forest of Dean have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Forest of Dean 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 Forest of Dean have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Forest of Dean 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 Forest of Dean?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Forest of Dean, 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 West

Source: Forest of Dean licensing page →

Every landlord in Forest of Dean 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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