Landlord licensing in Medway

An additional HMO licensing scheme covering houses in multiple occupation occupied by three or four people, and all multi-occupied flats in blocks of three or more. [RECHECKED 9 Aug 2026, 66 days after the consultation closed on 4 June. Medway's stated plan was that "final proposals will be submitted to Cabinet in summer 2026" — that window is still open, so the absence of a decision is expected rather than overdue. Remains PROPOSED. Recheck at the end of September, by which point summer will have passed and silence becomes a finding.]

A selective licensing scheme covering properties let to a single household or to two unrelated sharers.

• Bring the property up to licensing standard now. Licence conditions are largely the duties you already have — current gas and electrical certificates, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, written terms of occupancy — and a scheme that is designated typically starts within months, not years.
• Budget for the proposed fee that matches how you let: £1,600 per property for additional licensing, and £840 per property for selective licensing. Both are proposals and can change before designation, but they are the council's own published figures.
• Do not apply or pay for a licence yet. There is no scheme to license against, and no council can accept an application for a designation it has not made.
• We check Medway twice a week for the decision and update this page. If you have a property here on Landlord HQ, the licensing requirement is added to its checklist and you are emailed when the scheme is designated.

Does Medway have a selective licensing scheme?

We have not established whether Medway operates a selective licensing scheme, so this answer is unverified. Confirm the position with the council before letting. Mandatory HMO licensing applies regardless, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Does Medway have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

We have not established whether Medway operates an additional HMO licensing scheme, so this answer is unverified. Confirm the position with the council before letting. Mandatory HMO licensing applies regardless, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Do I need an HMO licence in Medway?

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