South East · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Mid Sussex

✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Mid Sussex 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

Mid Sussex 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, council's own words (first-party research 18 Aug 2026, page last updated 31 March 2026): the council states mandatory licensing "will apply to all HMOs or any type of property occupied by five persons or more, in two or more households, regardless of the number of storeys", and its own FAQ answers the discretionary question directly: "Is a property with 3/4 people sharing considered a HMO? Yes it is an HMO but it does not require a licence."

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative, council's own words (first-party research 18 Aug 2026): the FAQ statement that a three or four person HMO does not require a licence is precisely what an additional designation would change, so no s.56 scheme operates. The council application form confirms "Part 2 of the Act introduces a mandatory scheme to licence HMOs occupied by 5 or more people comprising two or more households." Fees sit in a 2026-27 HMO fees PDF; no figure captured.

Common questions

Does Mid Sussex have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Mid Sussex 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 Mid Sussex have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Mid Sussex 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 Mid Sussex?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Mid Sussex, 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 East

Source: Mid Sussex licensing page →

Every landlord in Mid Sussex 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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