South East · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in Slough
✓ Hand-verified 30 May 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Slough 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.
Slough 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.
Slough Borough Council's previous additional and selective licensing designations both ceased on 30 June 2024. The previous selective licensing scheme covered most of Chalvey and Central wards (where approximately 50% of homes are privately rented) and the previous additional HMO licensing scheme was borough-wide. Both ran from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024 (5 years). The council is currently reviewing the outcomes of the expired schemes and will consult residents, landlords and agents on any proposed future designations. As of April 2026, only mandatory HMO licensing for 5+ occupants applies. Landlords with unexpired selective or additional HMO licences issued under the previous schemes can continue to comply with those licences until they expire or are revoked.
Slough Borough Council does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. The previous borough-wide additional scheme expired on 30 June 2024. Only mandatory HMO licensing for HMOs with 5 or more occupants forming 2+ households applies. The council is reviewing the outcomes of the expired discretionary schemes and considering future designations. Slough has approximately 3,500+ HMOs with the PRS making up around 33% of housing (higher than England average). Operating a licensable HMO without a licence under the mandatory scheme is an offence under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004.
Common questions
Does Slough have a selective licensing scheme?
No. Slough 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 Slough have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. Slough 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 Slough?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Slough, 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 East →
Source: Slough licensing page →
Every landlord in Slough 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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