South East · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Hastings

✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Hastings 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 feeBanded by units
£1,262Up to 5

The band is set by the number of separate lettings.

Part A£638
Part B£624
Total, up to 5£1,262
6 to 10 units£1,388
11 to 15£1,514
16 to 20£1,640
21 to 25£1,766
25 to 30£1,892
  • Discount listed

Hastings — hastings.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026

Selective licensingNot in force

Evidenced negative, scheme EXPIRED (first-party research 18 Aug 2026). Hastings ran a selective licensing scheme across seven wards - Braybrooke, Castle, Central St Leonards, Gensing, Old Hastings, Ore and Tressell - which "started on the 26 October 2015 and finishes on 25 October 2020". The council's own scheme summary states "In November 2019, Hastings Borough Council commissioned a report to provide a review of progress of the current Selective Licensing Scheme to help inform possible options for a future scheme. The scheme expired in October 2020." The 2019 progress review recommended a future six-ward designation but the council did not make one, and the Proposed New Selective Licensing Scheme page is a stub with no active proposal, dates, wards or fee. a 2025 Homelessness Review references an intention to introduce a PRS selective scheme, so revival is plausible.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative, scheme ENDED (first-party research 18 Aug 2026). Hastings ran an additional HMO scheme from 2018 covering s.257 and some s.254 HMOs in Braybrooke, Gensing, Castle and Central St Leonards. The council's own FAQs state the designation ended "Wednesday 3 May 2023" and that "The end of the designation prevents the Council issuing new licences after 3 May 2023. However, all those issued before that date remain in place", adding "At the time of writing there is no immediate plans to consult on a further Additional HMO licensing scheme." Mandatory fees run from GBP 1,262 for up to five units to GBP 1,892 for 25 to 30 units, each split into Part 1 and Part 2.

Common questions

Does Hastings have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Hastings 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 Hastings have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Hastings 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 Hastings?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Hastings, 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.

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Source: Hastings licensing page →

Every landlord in Hastings 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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