HMO licensing in South Kesteven

South Kesteven District Council operates the national mandatory scheme. We found no additional or selective licensing scheme in force or proposed as of September 2026. Councils can introduce one after a public consultation, so it is worth setting an alert.

The published fee for a new HMO licence is £1,134, and £978 to renew. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.

Fee is charged in two parts, tiered for properties with more than 5 bedrooms. For a 5-bedroom (or fewer) HMO in 2026/27: New licence = £570.50 (Part A, application) + £563.00 (Part B, grant) = £1,133.50 total; Renewal = £414.50 (Part A) + £563.00 (Part B) = £977.50 total. Each additional bedroom beyond 5 adds £18.00 to Part A and £90.00 to Part B (£108 per extra bedroom combined). A replacement licence certificate costs £36.00. No refund of the fee is given once an application is issued.

Check the current fee on the council website (southkesteven.gov.uk) before you apply.

National minimums for licensed HMOs are 6.51 m² for one adult and 10.22 m² for two adults; councils can apply higher local standards.

• Doors opening onto an escape route must generally be FD30S fire doors with self-closing device, three hinges and intumescent strips (some exemptions for smaller shared houses).
• Smaller HMOs (2 storeys or less, 4 persons or less): mains-wired interconnected smoke detectors (BS 5839 Part 1 2002) in common hallways, with heat detectors in kitchens and any cellar/basement.
• Larger HMOs (3+ storeys or 5+ persons): mains-wired panel-controlled detection system with interconnected smoke detectors in every bedroom and common hallway, plus heat detectors in kitchens and any cellar/basement.
• Where cooking facilities are in a bedroom unit, interconnected heat detectors are required in that bedroom plus a stand-alone BS 5446 smoke alarm for early warning; emergency lighting is required on escape routes in 3-storey+ properties or where routes are complex or lack borrowed light. Fire risk assessments must follow BS 8674 (2025) and emergency lighting certificates must follow the Annex M model in BS 5266 Part 1 (2016).

• Washing facilities: for 4 or fewer sharers, at least 1 bathroom with bath/shower and toilet; for 5+ sharers, 1 separate toilet+basin and 1 bathroom per 5 sharers (2 bathrooms + 2 WCs for 6-10 persons, 3 + 3 for 11-15).
• Shared kitchens: 1 set of facilities per 5 occupiers - sink with drainer, 4-ring cooker with oven/grill, at least 3 double sockets, worktop (500mm depth, 0.5m per person plus 0.5m), individual food storage cupboards, a fridge-freezer per 5 occupants, plus a wall-mounted fire blanket and a 30-minute fire door set.
• Heating must reach and maintain 18°C when it is -1°C outside, with fixed heating and individual room temperature controls (TRVs) in every room including bathrooms and kitchens, plus minimum 270mm loft insulation.
• Exclusive-use kitchens (self-contained units): a cooker (4 rings, 2 acceptable for a single person), a fixed sink with drainer, 1m x 500mm worktop, at least 4 sockets, a storage cupboard and a fridge-freezer.

• Gas safety certificate — Current certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer; the latest test certificate must be supplied to the Council within 7 days of any written request.
• EICR — Fixed electrical installation inspected/tested at intervals not exceeding 5 years; certificate to be supplied to the Council within 7 days of any written request.
• EPC — Valid Energy Performance Certificate for the property.
• Fire risk assessment — Prepared to BS 8674 (2025) standard by a competent assessor, recording discharge duration, luminaires tested and any deviations.
• Emergency lighting certificate — Where fitted, certified to the Annex M model of BS 5266 Part 1 (2016).
• Planning/building regulations evidence — HMOs of 7+ rooms must evidence change-of-use planning permission and, where appropriate, a building regulations application.

• southkesteven.gov.uk
• southkesteven.gov.uk
• southkesteven.gov.uk

Compiled from the council’s own published pages and documents; data reviewed September 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with South Kesteven District Council before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.