South East · Council licensing

Landlord licensing in West Berkshire

✓ Hand-verified 20 Aug 2026

Beyond mandatory HMO licensing, West Berkshire 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 feePaid in two parts
£1,480for a new assisted application

Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.

Stage 1£888
Stage 2£592
Total£1,480
  • Renewal £999, being Stage 1 £600 + Stage 2 £399

West Berkshire — PPP Fees and Charges schedule on decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk, read 20 Aug 2026

Selective licensingNot in force

West Berkshire Council delivers housing and HMO licensing through the Public Protection Partnership, a shared regulatory service. The PPP Fees and Charges schedule for 2026/2027, in its Private Sector Housing section, lists an HMO licence and an HMO licence renewal and nothing else. No selective licensing designation under s.80 of the Housing Act 2004 appears on the schedule or on the council's housing pages. West Berkshire is confirmed to sit on the same PPP fee schedule as Bracknell Forest and Wokingham. Distinguished from Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Basingstoke and Deane, and Windsor and Maidenhead. Established 20 Aug 2026 from decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk.

Additional licensing (HMOs)Not in force

The Public Protection Partnership Fees and Charges schedule for 2026/2027 lists only a mandatory HMO licence and its renewal in the Private Sector Housing section, with no s.56 additional licensing designation for West Berkshire on the schedule or on the council's housing pages. Established 20 Aug 2026 from decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk.

Common questions

Does West Berkshire have a selective licensing scheme?

No. West Berkshire 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 West Berkshire have an additional HMO licensing scheme?

No. West Berkshire 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 West Berkshire?

A mandatory HMO licence is required anywhere in England and Wales, including West Berkshire, 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 South East

Source: West Berkshire licensing page →

Every landlord in West Berkshire 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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