South West · Council licensing
Landlord licensing in Torbay
✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Torbay 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.
Torbay 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 on the council's own committee record (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the Torbay democratic services issue "Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)" was, verbatim, "To consider a business case on selective and/or additional licensing of HMOs", notice first published 25 January 2017, decision due 5 December 2018 by Council, all wards affected. NO designation instrument followed and current service pages describe mandatory HMO licensing only. A business case considered is not a designation made. Distinct from Teignbridge, South Hams, Exeter and Devon County Council.
Evidenced negative on the council's own committee record (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the same 2016 to 2018 business case covered both selective and additional licensing and produced no designation. Current service pages describe a mandatory HMO licence only, with a two-part fee: "The first part of the fee covers the licence processing fee... The second part of the fee relates to the administration and compliance of the licence", payable in two parts or as one, for a term of up to five years. No amount is stated on the readable service pages, and the previously held £1,100 has been removed because it cannot be traced to a Torbay source. obtain the Torbay fees and charges schedule or contact private sector housing, and record the figure verbatim.
Common questions
Does Torbay have a selective licensing scheme?
No. Torbay 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 Torbay have an additional HMO licensing scheme?
No. Torbay 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 Torbay?
A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Torbay, 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: Torbay licensing page →
Every landlord in Torbay 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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