South West · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in North Somerset
✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, North Somerset does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.
Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.
North Somerset 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.
Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the council's HMO licensing page states "You need a mandatory HMO licence if you're renting out a property that has five or more people from two or more households, sharing amenities such as toilets, bathrooms or cooking facilities." Mandatory licensing is presented as the only licensing type operating and no s.80 selective designation is named. Distinct from Somerset Council, Bath and North East Somerset and Bristol City Council.
Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the council's HMO licensing page sets the threshold at five or more people from two or more households and names no s.56 additional designation over smaller HMOs. The mandatory fee sits on the council fees and charges page, with a discount noted for West of England Rental Standard members; the figure was not captured first-party in this pass. Next step is to read the council fees and charges page directly.
Common questions
Does North Somerset have a selective licensing scheme?
No. North Somerset 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 North Somerset have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. North Somerset 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 North Somerset?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including North Somerset, 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.
- Free landlord compliance check — five questions, no account
- Tenancy agreement checker — findings cited to the Act and section
All property licensing in South West →
Source: North Somerset licensing page →
Every landlord in North Somerset 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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