Additional HMO licensing in Gloucester
Yes. Gloucester operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need an additional HMO licence in Gloucester?
Yes. Gloucester operates an additional HMO licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Gloucester does the scheme cover?
Whole city, all wards. Smaller HMOs of 3 or 4 occupants and s.257 HMOs. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Gloucester's scheme end?
The designation runs until 20 September 2031, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£1,060. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Gloucester before budgeting.
One payment.
| Each licence after that date | £1,260 |
Gloucester — gloucester.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
What the designation says
NOT YET IN FORCE AS AT 19 AUGUST 2026. Established from gloucester.gov.uk. The designation was made in 2026 following Cabinet approval on 10 December 2025 and COMES INTO FORCE ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2026, running to 20 September 2031. Until that date there is no additional licensing requirement in Gloucester and only mandatory HMO licensing applies. THE FLAG ON THIS ROW STILL READS IN FORCE AND IS WRONG UNTIL 21 SEPTEMBER. It could not be corrected automatically because the flag transition guard requires a human.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Gloucester before letting.