Bristol HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Bristol — do I need one?

Bristol has 3 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Bristol announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Additional HMOEffective: 6 August 2024 (5 years)

Bristol Citywide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme

Additional licensing for all Houses in Multiple Occupation not already covered by mandatory licensing or the existing Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield schemes. Covers the rest of Bristol citywide.

Read the original announcement →
Additional HMOEffective: 6 April 2022 (5 years)

Bristol Additional HMO Licensing — Bedminster, Brislington West, Horfield

Additional HMO licensing for Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield wards. Fee £1,300 per licence.

Read the original announcement →
SelectiveEffective: 6 August 2024 (5 years)

Bristol Selective Licensing — Bishopston, Ashley Down, Cotham, Easton

Selective licensing covering Bishopston, Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton wards. Fee £912 per licence.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Bristol-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).

Stay on top of HMO compliance with RentFig

RentFig tracks every HMO licence renewal alongside gas safety, EICR, EPC, fire alarm tests and right-to-rent checks. Email reminders, audit trail, AI assistant on WhatsApp. Free for one property.

Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Bristol schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Bristol City Council before letting or applying for a licence.