Landlord licensing in Preston

Council-specific HMO detail we currently show

Mandatory licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the entire city of Preston. Applies to properties occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share basic amenities (kitchen, toilet, or bathroom).

HMO fee guide

£882

Fee notes

From 1 April 2026: total fee £882 for a 5-year licence, payable in two parts - initial application fee £150 (non-refundable) + monitoring fee £700 payable when proposed licence is issued. An additional penalty fee of £129 applies for late or incomplete applications, bringing the total to £1,011. Applications submitted by email only to hmolicensing@preston.gov.uk; no paper applications accepted. No discount schemes mentioned on council website.

Typical licence term

5 years

There are an estimated 2,000 HMOs in Preston, approximately 200-300 of which are within the mandatory licensing threshold. Operating without a licence is a criminal offence with potential prosecution, unlimited fines, or a Civil Financial Penalty up to £30,000. Tenants may also reclaim up to 12 months' rent paid during an unlicensed period. Required documentation includes DBS certificate (within 28 days), floor plans (1:50 or 1:100 scale), Gas Safe Certificate (within 12 months), EICR (within 5 years), Fire Safety Risk Assessment, PAT certificate, tenancy agreement, and proof of permanent residential address. Property types covered: Entire houses, bungalows, flats or any accommodation let to more than 4 unrelated occupiers forming 2+ households sharing basic amenities. Also includes converted bedsits, partially self-contained conversions, and non-compliant flat conversions occupied by 5+ people.. Exemptions or exclusions: Purpose-built apartment blocks with 3+ self-contained flats meeting 1991 Building Regulations may be excluded. Temporary exemption notices available on application..