Articles & Guides
Practical guidance on UK rental licensing: selective licensing, HMO rules, compliance, and more.
HMO Room Size Requirements: The 6.51 Square Metre Rule Explained
HMO licences require minimum room sizes: at least 6.51 square metres for a single adult. This guide explains the rules, how to measure correctly, and what happens if a room is too small.
How to Apply for a Selective Licence: Step-by-Step Guide
A practical step-by-step guide to applying for a selective licence, including what documents you need, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what happens if your application is refused.
Renters' Rights Act 2025: What It Means for Property Licensing
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the most significant reform to the private rented sector since the Housing Act 2004. This guide explains what changed for property licensing, penalties, and landlord obligations.
Landlord Licensing in Wales: Rent Smart Wales and HMO Requirements
Wales has its own landlord licensing system under Rent Smart Wales. All landlords and letting agents in Wales must register, and those who manage their own properties must be licensed. This guide explains the Welsh system.
Landlord Licensing in Scotland: Registration, HMOs and Different Rules
Scotland operates a separate landlord registration system and HMO licensing regime under different legislation to England and Wales. This guide explains what Scottish landlords need to know.
Penalties for Renting Without a Licence: Fines, RROs and Banning Orders
Renting without the required licence can result in unlimited fines, civil penalties of up to £40,000, rent repayment orders, and banning orders. This guide explains every enforcement tool available to councils and tenants.
Mandatory HMO Licensing: The National Standard Explained
Mandatory HMO licensing applies to all properties occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households. This guide covers the national standard, room size requirements, fire safety obligations, and how to apply.
Selective Licensing Explained: Areas, Fees and How to Check
A complete guide to selective licensing in England and Wales: what it is, which councils operate schemes, how much licences cost, and how to check whether your property is in a designated area.
What is Additional Licensing for HMOs?
Additional licensing extends HMO licensing beyond the mandatory national standard. This guide explains which properties are affected, which councils operate schemes, and how additional licensing differs from selective licensing.
Mandatory HMO Licensing: Who Needs One and What It Costs
Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties rented to five or more people from two or more households. Find out if your property qualifies, what it costs, and how to apply.
HMO Licence Responsibility: Landlord or Letting Agent?
Legal responsibility for a HMO licence sits with the landlord, not the letting agent. Explains how responsibility is divided, what agents can do, and what happens if it goes wrong.
Additional HMO Licensing: Which Councils Have It and What to Do
Additional HMO licensing covers smaller shared properties beyond mandatory thresholds. Find out which councils have it, what it costs, and how to check if your property is affected.
What Happens If Your HMO Is Not Licensed? Fines, RROs and More
Operating an unlicensed HMO can result in unlimited fines, rent repayment orders worth up to 12 months rent, and difficulty regaining possession. Here is what you face.
How to Stay Compliant with HMO Licensing: A Practical Checklist
Most HMO compliance failures happen because landlords did not realise a licence was needed or missed a renewal. Covers the key steps to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Can a Housing Licence Be Refused or Revoked?
Councils can refuse or revoke a HMO licence if a landlord or property fails to meet required standards. Find out what triggers refusal, how to appeal, and how to avoid it.
Types of Rental Licence in England: HMO, Additional and Selective
There are three types of rental licence in England: mandatory HMO, additional HMO, and selective. This guide explains each one, who needs it, and how to check which applies.
What Is Selective Licensing? Areas, Fees and How It Works
Selective licensing requires landlords in a designated area to hold a council licence. Find out which areas have it, what it costs, and how to check your property.
Selective Licensing Explained: A Guide for UK Landlords
Selective licensing lets councils require all private landlords in a designated area to obtain a licence. Covers who needs one, what it costs, and how to apply.
Rental Licensing Fines: Penalties, RROs and Enforcement Cases
Unlicensed landlords face civil penalties up to £30,000, rent repayment orders worth up to 12 months rent, and criminal prosecution. Covers fines, how they are calculated, and real cases.
Selective vs Additional Licensing: Key Differences for Landlords
Selective licensing applies to all private rented properties in a designated area. Additional licensing applies only to HMOs. This guide explains the key differences, which applies to your property, and what to do if both apply.
We use cookies
Tuxa uses a strictly necessary session cookie to keep you logged in. We also use Umami Analytics — a privacy-friendly, cookie-free tool that collects no personal data. Privacy & Cookie Policy