Tuxa is a free property licence checker for any address in England, Wales and Scotland. Enter a postcode and we tell you whether that specific property needs a selective, additional or mandatory HMO licence — and whether it sits in an Article 4 Direction area that restricts converting homes to shared houses. Licensing rules are set street by street, so two identical houses on different roads can have completely different requirements. Our checker reads the licensing scheme and Article 4 boundary for the exact property, drawn from authoritative council and planning sources across all 361 UK councils. Whether you’re a renter, a landlord checking you’re compliant before the penalties bite (up to £40,000 in England under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025), or an agent vetting a new instruction, the check takes about 30 seconds and is free to try.
Property licence checker — FAQ
- How do I check if a property needs a licence?
- Enter the postcode or address into the property licence checker above. Tuxa tells you instantly whether that specific property needs a selective, additional or mandatory HMO licence, and whether it sits in an Article 4 area — across all 361 UK councils.
- Is my rental a licensed HMO?
- If you share with people from other households, it may be. Five or more people from two or more households is a mandatory HMO nationwide; three or more unrelated sharers can be licensable in areas with an additional scheme. Check the exact address with the HMO licence checker.
- What is an Article 4 area?
- An Article 4 Direction is a planning rule that removes the automatic right to convert a home into a small shared house (HMO), so you need planning permission first. It’s set street by street — the checker shows whether an address is covered.
- What’s the fine for renting without a licence?
- In England, a council can issue a civil penalty of up to £40,000 or prosecute (from 1 May 2026, under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025). Separately, the tenant can reclaim up to 24 months’ rent through a Rent Repayment Order.
- Is the property licence checker free?
- Yes — checking an address is free and takes about 30 seconds. Landlords and agents who need to check at scale can use the Tuxa API.