Property licence (HMO / selective / additional) rules for landlords 2026

What you must do

Some properties must be licensed by the local council. Larger houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) need a mandatory licence; many councils also run additional HMO or selective licensing schemes covering ordinary lets in designated areas. Licences typically last up to 5 years and are council-specific. Letting an unlicensed property that requires a licence can lead to an unlimited fine and a rent repayment order for up to 12 months' rent. CertSafe tracks the expiry date you enter; check your council's scheme for the exact requirements.

This is a legal obligation for private landlords in England. Keeping dated records is the simplest way to prove you have met it if a tenant, council or lender ever asks.

How often / when

As required.

CertSafe works out the exact next-due date for your property automatically once you enter when it was last done, and reminds you at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before — plus if anything slips overdue.

The penalty for getting it wrong

Unlimited fine, rent repayment orders, banning orders.

Penalties are set by legislation and enforced by local authorities or the courts. They can also complicate possession, mortgage and insurance matters, which is why lenders increasingly ask to see a compliance record.

Your quick checklist

1. Find the date this was last done (or arrange it now if it hasn't been).

2. Keep the certificate or record somewhere safe and give any required copy to your tenant.

3. Diarise the next deadline — or let CertSafe track it and remind you.

Frequently asked questions