South West · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in South Gloucestershire
✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, South Gloucestershire 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.
South Gloucestershire 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.
South Gloucestershire does not operate a selective licensing scheme. The council's own page states: "We only operate the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme." Source: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/houses-in-multiple-occupation/ Checked 2026-08-05. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
South Gloucestershire does not operate a additional licensing scheme. The council's own page states: "We only operate the national mandatory HMO licensing scheme." Source: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/houses-in-multiple-occupation/ Checked 2026-08-05. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Common questions
Does South Gloucestershire have a selective licensing scheme?
No. South Gloucestershire 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 South Gloucestershire have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. South Gloucestershire 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 South Gloucestershire?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including South Gloucestershire, 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: South Gloucestershire licensing page →
Every landlord in South Gloucestershire 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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