Property Licensing Check
£29 · Live now
A concise written review for one property, postcode, or council situation based on current public council-source information.
Request the reviewEnhanced research coverage
Council websiteLandlord licensing in Portsmouth
South East
We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.
Selective Licensing
Proposed scheme noted
Additional Licensing
Active additional
Mandatory HMO Licensing
Active mandatory HMO
Current status summary
What we currently show
Our current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council. This page combines scheme records, official verification links, and supporting local research. This public page currently has 21 sources linked or recorded.
What you still need to verify
Check live council wording for scheme boundaries, fees, dates, exemptions, application steps and whether the property setup changes the answer.
Official sources
A licensing page is available and should be treated as the main verification route.
Verify with the council
Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with Portsmouth.
Council updates
Get updates for Portsmouth
We will email you if Portsmouth introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.
Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.
If you need more than the council page
This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.
Licensing Due Diligence Report
£79 · Coming soon
A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.
See the premium reportAlerts and monitoring
£12.99/month · Coming soon
A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.
See alerts and monitoringThese are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.
Check a postcode in Portsmouth
Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.
Local licensing scheme records
Additional LicensingActive
Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2023-2028
City-wide additional HMO licensing scheme covering all smaller HMOs (3-4 occupants) across the entire Portsmouth City Council area. Approximately 4,800 HMOs in the city are affected by this scheme. The scheme also incorporates Section 257 HMOs (purpose-built converted flat blocks not complying with 1991 building regulations, where two-thirds or more of flats are rented out).
- HMO licence fee
- £861
- Fee guide
- Two-part fee structure. Part 1 (application fee, non-refundable): £216 new applications, £141 renewals. Part 2 (licence issue fee, non-refundable once issued): £645 new 5-year, £675 new 2.5-year, £978 new 1-year; £680 renewal 5-year, £578 renewal 2.5-year, £548 renewal 1-year. Total: £861 new 5-year; £891 new 2.5-year; £1,194 new 1-year; £821 renewal 5-year; £719 renewal 2.5-year; £689 renewal 1-year. Lower total fees and longer licence duration (5 years, total £861 new) available to accredited landlords with zero complaints and valid EPC band E+. Poor compliance results in 1-year licence (highest total fee £1,194 new). Part 2 due within 14 days of Notice of Intention to Grant.
- Discount available
- Lower total fees and longer licence duration (5 years, total £861 new) available to accredited landlords with zero complaints and valid EPC band E+. Poor compliance results in 1-year licence (highest total fee £1,194 new). Part 2 due within 14 days of Notice of Intention to Grant.
- Scheme period
- 1 September 2023 - 31 August 2028
- Typical licence term
- 1, 2.5 or 5 years (tiered based on compliance and accreditation)
- Coverage
- Borough-wide
Research notes
Approved by Portsmouth City Council Cabinet on 29 November 2022. Cabinet first agreed to consult on 22 March 2022. Consultation ran from 23 May 2022 to 31 July 2022 and received over 1,000 responses. The scheme is treated as entirely new; landlords who held licences under the 2013-2018 scheme were required to apply again. The scheme is city-wide unlike the 2013-2018 predecessor which covered only PO1, PO4, and PO5 postcodes. Approximately 4,800 HMOs are estimated to require licensing under this scheme. The same scheme also encompasses Section 257 buildings (separate page and fees apply - see Section 257 Additional Licensing entry). Application portal: https://hmo.portsmouth.gov.uk/ Property types covered: Properties with 3 or 4 occupants forming 2 or more households (shared houses and bedsits with shared amenities); converted buildings with 3-4 occupants where occupants must cross common areas to access facilities; purpose-built self-contained flats within blocks of 3 or more self-contained flats occupied by 3 or more people (Section 257). Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already subject to mandatory HMO licensing (5+ occupants). Section 257 buildings where fewer than two-thirds of flats are rented out. Buildings occupied by only two people forming two separate households.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Additional LicensingActive
Section 257 Additional HMO Licensing 2023-2028
City-wide Section 257 licensing for converted blocks of flats that do not comply with 1991 building regulations and where two-thirds or more of the flats are rented out. Part of the 2023-2028 Additional HMO Licensing Scheme.
- HMO licence fee
- £861
- Fee guide
- Same two-part fee structure as additional HMO licensing. Part 1 (application fee, non-refundable): £216 new applications, £141 renewals. Part 2 (licence issue fee): £645 new 5-year, £675 new 2.5-year, £978 new 1-year; £680 renewal 5-year, £578 renewal 2.5-year, £548 renewal 1-year. Totals: £861 new 5-year; £891 new 2.5-year; £1,194 new 1-year; £821 renewal 5-year; £719 renewal 2.5-year; £689 renewal 1-year. Same tiered structure as additional HMO licensing - 5-year licence at lower total cost for accredited landlords with zero complaints and valid EPC.
- Discount available
- Same tiered structure as additional HMO licensing - 5-year licence at lower total cost for accredited landlords with zero complaints and valid EPC.
- Scheme period
- 1 September 2023 - 31 August 2028
- Typical licence term
- 1, 2.5 or 5 years (tiered based on compliance and accreditation)
- Coverage
- Borough-wide
Research notes
Section 257 is defined under Housing Act 2004. Portsmouth treats Section 257 properties as part of its broader 2023-2028 additional licensing scheme. The licence is specific to the converted block rather than individual flats. Applications via the same portal: https://hmo.portsmouth.gov.uk/ Property types covered: Buildings converted into flats where the conversion does not comply with 1991 building regulations, where two-thirds or more of flats are rented out (including those with resident landlords), and where 3 or more people occupy the building. Exemptions or exclusions: Buildings where fewer than two-thirds of flats are rented out. Buildings occupied by only two people forming two separate households.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Selective LicensingProposed
Selective Licensing (No Scheme Active)
Portsmouth City Council does not operate a selective licensing scheme and is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce one (as confirmed by Kamma data as of August 2024 and no new proposals found as of March 2026).
- Coverage
- Borough-wide
Research notes
No selective licensing scheme has been operated by Portsmouth City Council at any point identified in available sources. The council's HMO licensing strategy focuses on mandatory and additional HMO licensing. Selective licensing (which would cover all private rented properties in a designated area regardless of HMO status) has not been introduced or proposed.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Additional LicensingExpired
Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2013-2018 (Expired)
Portsmouth's first additional HMO licensing scheme, covering properties in the PO1, PO4, and PO5 postcode areas only (not city-wide). Covered smaller HMOs with 3-4 occupants in those designated areas.
- Fee guide
- Fees applicable during 2013-2018 period not recorded in this extraction.
- Scheme period
- 1 January 2013 - 31 December 2018
- Typical licence term
- 5 years
- Coverage
- Borough-wide
Research notes
Introduced in 2013 by Cabinet member for housing Darren Sanders. By the end of the scheme (April 2018 HMO Governance Board review), 3,074 out of 3,103 identified HMOs had been licensed, with 126 out of 190 Section 257 properties licensed. The scheme was dropped in 2018 following a review which found 'inconclusive' evidence of its effectiveness. An approximate 5-year gap in additional licensing followed until the new city-wide scheme launched in September 2023 (this gap was approximately 2018-2023). Exact start and end dates are approximate (year only confirmed; month-level dates not found in sources). Property types covered: Smaller HMOs with 3-4 occupants forming 2 or more households in the designated postcode areas. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties outside PO1, PO4, and PO5 postcode areas. Properties subject to mandatory HMO licensing.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Research summary
These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.
Last reviewed
27 March 2026
Research confidence
High (87/100)
Sources checked
21
Research notes
Portsmouth City Council's website was directly accessible for all key pages. Fee tables were retrieved directly from official fee pages. Scheme dates (start 1 September 2023, end 31 August 2028) are confirmed across multiple official and third-party sources. Approval date of 29 November 2022 is confirmed by official council news release and third-party sources. The 2013-2018 previous scheme history is well documented by PDPLA and council democracy portal sources. Selective licensing status (none) is confirmed by official sources and Kamma. The Section 257 scheme details and fees were obtained directly from the official fees page. The only area of moderate uncertainty is the exact start/end month of the 2013-2018 previous scheme (year only confirmed) and the precise contact address.
Council contact details
- Phone
- 023 9284 1659
- Address
- Portsmouth City Council, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AL
Register access
Public RegisterAvailable Downloadable
Portsmouth operates an online searchable public register of licensed HMOs at hmo.portsmouth.gov.uk. The register allows searching by address/postcode, by name, or by licence number. An 'Export Register' option is available for bulk download. For licences applied for before 1 December 2023, the online register may not include full details; for those records, contact hmo.licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk directly. A full copy of the HMO public register can also be requested by emailing the licensing team. A separate HMO database compiled from licensing and planning data is available at https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/development-and-planning/planning-applications/planning-houses-in-multiple-occupation/houses-in-multiple-occupation-hmo-database/ - this lists all HMOs including those identified through planning routes as well as licensed properties. The register is maintained under the statutory duty of the Housing Act 2004.
Important to verify
- Exact month-level start and end dates for the 2013-2018 additional licensing scheme (year only confirmed)
- Confirmed postal address for HMO licensing team (Civic Offices given as general council address)
- Whether any accreditation bodies are specifically named as council-approved for 5-year licence qualification
- Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.
Supporting sources
- https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/apply-for-an-hmo-licence/hmo-mandatory-licensing/
- https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/apply-for-an-hmo-licence/hmo-mandatory-licensing/hmo-mandatory-licensing-fees/
- https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/apply-for-an-hmo-licence/applying-for-an-additional-hmo-licence/additional-licensing-fees/
- https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/apply-for-an-hmo-licence/applying-for-an-additional-hmo-licence/additional-licensing-information-for-landlords/
- https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/apply-for-an-hmo-licence/applying-for-an-additional-hmo-licence/licensing-information-for-landlords-faqs/
- https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/apply-for-an-hmo-licence/applying-for-an-additional-hmo-licence/new-additional-licensing-scheme-agreed/
Mandatory HMO licensing
All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from Portsmouth council.
Council-specific HMO detail we currently show
City-wide mandatory licensing for all HMOs with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more households. Since 1 October 2018, the three-storey requirement was removed and all HMOs with 5 or more occupiers must be licensed regardless of the number of storeys.
- Fee notes
- Two-part fee structure. Part 1 (application fee, non-refundable): £305 new applications, £200 renewals. Part 2 (licence issue fee, non-refundable once issued): variable by bedroom count, licence duration, and whether new or renewal. New 5-year licence: £916 (5 beds) up to £1,033 (7 beds) + £59 per additional bedroom over 5. New 1-year licence: £1,388-£1,505 for 5-7 beds. Renewals at reduced rates. Formula for 9+ bedrooms: (number of bedrooms minus 5) x £59 plus base rate for that duration. 5-year licence (lowest Part 2 fee for new applications at £916+ base) available only to accredited landlords with zero complaints and valid EPC band E+. 1-year licences carry the highest Part 2 fee.
- Typical licence term
- 1, 2.5 or 5 years (tiered based on compliance and accreditation)
- Start date shown
- 1 October 2018
Mandatory under Housing Act 2004 Part 2. Extended to all storeys from 1 October 2018. Tiered licence structure: 1-year licence for concerns (fit and proper, non-compliance, multiple complaints, missing documents, no planning permission); 2.5-year licence for standard compliant applications (max 1 justified complaint, all documentation current, planning evidence); 5-year licence requires all 2.5-year criteria plus zero complaints, council-approved accreditation, valid EPC band E+, and timely renewal application. Property types covered: Properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more households, including: shared houses and bedsits sharing amenities; flats in non-purpose-built blocks; converted buildings with 5+ occupants where at least one unit lacks an independent entrance; self-contained flats in blocks of 2 or fewer where 5+ people occupy.
Other compliance requirements
In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
- EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
- Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
- Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts
Common questions about licensing in Portsmouth
- Do I need a landlord licence in Portsmouth?
- Portsmouth currently operates additional HMO licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
- How much does a property licence cost in Portsmouth?
- Based on our current data, licence fees in Portsmouth are approximately: Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2023-2028: £861; Section 257 Additional HMO Licensing 2023-2028: £861; Mandatory HMO Licensing: Two-part fee structure. Part 1 (application fee, non-refundable): £305 new applications, £200 renewals. Part 2 (licence issue fee, non-refundable once issued): variable by bedroom count, licence duration, and whether new or renewal. New 5-year licence: £916 (5 beds) up to £1,033 (7 beds) + £59 per additional bedroom over 5. New 1-year licence: £1,388-£1,505 for 5-7 beds. Renewals at reduced rates. Formula for 9+ bedrooms: (number of bedrooms minus 5) x £59 plus base rate for that duration. 5-year licence (lowest Part 2 fee for new applications at £916+ base) available only to accredited landlords with zero complaints and valid EPC band E+. 1-year licences carry the highest Part 2 fee; Additional HMO Licensing Scheme 2013-2018 (Expired): Fees applicable during 2013-2018 period not recorded in this extraction. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.
- Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in Portsmouth?
- Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including Portsmouth. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to Portsmouth council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
- What happens if I rent without a licence in Portsmouth?
- Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.
Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you
Use these routes to move from the Portsmouth summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.
Landlord with a standard let→
Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.
Shared occupancy or possible HMO→
Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.
Check if a property has an HMO licence→
Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.
Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→
Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.
Letting agent or portfolio manager→
Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.
Understand additional licensing rules→
Read the guide if you want the broader background on how additional HMO licensing works alongside this council page.
Need the local HMO route→
Use the additional licensing page if the real question is whether a smaller shared house needs a local licence here.
Tenant checking landlord compliance→
Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.
Important disclaimer
This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.