South East · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in Swale
✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Swale 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.
One payment.
- Renewal £671, or £571 accredited
Swale — swale.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
Swale does not operate a selective licensing scheme. The council's own page states: "It is Swale Councils intention to only introduce licences for mandatory HMOs. They may introduce the other two types of licensing later." Source: https://services.swale.gov.uk/assets/Housing-Services-Files/HMO-DL-Booklet.pdf Checked 2026-08-05. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Swale does not operate a additional licensing scheme. The council's own page states: "It is Swale Councils intention to only introduce licences for mandatory HMOs. They may introduce the other two types of licensing later." Source: https://services.swale.gov.uk/assets/Housing-Services-Files/HMO-DL-Booklet.pdf 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 Swale have a selective licensing scheme?
No. Swale 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 Swale have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. Swale 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 Swale?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Swale, 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: Swale licensing page →
Every landlord in Swale 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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