South East
HMO licensing in Southampton
Southampton City Council requires a mandatory licence for HMOs occupied by 5 or more people from 2 or more households. It also runs additional licensing, which brings smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) into licensing. The published licence fee starts at £953.
Mandatory licence
5+ people, 2+ households
National scheme
Additional / selective
Additional
Council-designated schemes
Licence fee
From £953
Decision time
Not published
Licensing schemes in Southampton
Southampton's Additional HMO Licensing scheme covers smaller (3-4 person) HMOs in nine wards: Bevois, Bargate, Banister & Polygon, Portswood, Swaythling, Shirley, Bassett, Freemantle and Millbrook. It came into force on 1 October 2025 and ends on 30 September 2030.
- In force from
- 1 October 2025
- Scheme ends
- 30 September 2030
Verified 24 September 2026
Licence fees
The published fee for a new HMO licence is £953. Fees can depend on the number of occupants or lettings, and they are reviewed each year.
The standard fee for a timely, compliant HMO licence application is £953, paid in two stages: £300 at stage one (the application, non-refundable) and £653 at stage two (due after the council's notice of intention to grant a licence). A reduced rate of £636 (£300 then £336) applies where the landlord uses an independent HMO surveyor. Applications received after the three-month deadline cost £1,618 (£300 then £1,318). Private providers of large student accommodation who belong to ANUK, or follow another approved code, get 50% off the fees. A separate renewal fee is not listed, so confirm it with the council before renewing.
Fee source: southampton.gov.uk (checked 8 October 2026). Fees change during the year, so check the council before you apply.
Additional and selective licence fees
Fees for council-designated schemes are set separately from the mandatory HMO fee. Figures are the standard full-rate fee for a new licence, before any discounts.
Additional licence
No single standard fee
The current additional licence fee is not shown here yet. Check the council’s fees page for the current charge.
Scheme: From 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030
Checked 2 October 2026 against southampton.gov.uk
Documents you will need
- Gas safety certificate (CP12) — Within the last 12 months for every gas appliance on the property.
- EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report, dated within the last five years.
- EPC — Valid Energy Performance Certificate for the property.
- Floor plan with room dimensions — To scale, showing every room and its floor area against the HMO minimums.
- Fire risk assessment — Current assessment of the property's means of escape, alarms and compartmentation.
Sources
Compiled from the council’s own published pages and documents; data reviewed September 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with Southampton City Council before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.