East of England · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in Welwyn Hatfield

✓ Hand-verified 19 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, Welwyn Hatfield does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. Here's the current position.

Mandatory HMO licenceRequired

Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities.

Licence feeNot established

Welwyn Hatfield 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.

Selective licensingNot in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the council landlord HMO pages describe mandatory HMO licensing only and name no s.80 selective designation. Note the previously held URL was the generic licensing hub covering taxis, alcohol and gambling, and has been replaced with the landlords HMO application page. Distinct from Hertsmere, St Albans, North Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire, Three Rivers, Stevenage, Watford and Hertfordshire County Council.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

Evidenced negative by enumeration (first-party research 19 Aug 2026): the council landlord HMO pages name no s.56 additional designation. On fees, the council does not print a figure on the HMO page; it directs applicants to its central fees and charges download and states payment is taken "with a debit/credit card when submitting your application online". The previously held figure of £1,200 has been removed because it cannot be traced to a Welwyn Hatfield page. open the welhat.gov.uk fees and charges download and record the HMO application fee verbatim.

Common questions

Does Welwyn Hatfield have a selective licensing scheme?

No. Welwyn Hatfield 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 Welwyn Hatfield have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. Welwyn Hatfield 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 Welwyn Hatfield?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including Welwyn Hatfield, 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.

Check your own propertyUnderstanding licensing

All property licensing in East of England

Source: Welwyn Hatfield licensing page →

Every landlord in Welwyn Hatfield 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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Landlord HQ uses AI to analyse legislation and tenancy agreements. While we work hard to ensure accuracy, AI can make mistakes. Always verify compliance requirements with a qualified solicitor. Landlord HQ is an information tool, not legal advice.

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