Do I need an HMO licence in Gedling?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Gedling runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Gedling?

Gedling has 2 schemes in force on our register: Selective Licensing Phase 1a – Netherfield ward (from 5 January 2025 to 4 January 2030); Selective Licensing Phase 2 – parts of Carlton Hill, Colwick, Daybrook and Newstead Village (from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2027). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Gedling?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Gedling's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Gedling?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Gedling can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Gedling?

HMO licence applications in Gedling are handled by Gedling Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Gedling HMO licensing guide

Gedling HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Gedling if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Gedling's 2 licensing schemes can also cover smaller lets (details below). Gedling Borough Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Gedling Borough Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Gedling?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedNot in force in Gedling
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Gedling · See selective licensing in Gedling

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Gedling announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 5 November 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: 5 January 2025 to 4 January 2030

Selective Licensing Phase 1a – Netherfield ward

Covers the whole of Netherfield ward. Every privately rented home in the ward needs a selective licence, unless it is exempt or already holds a mandatory HMO licence.

Read the original announcement →

SelectiveEffective: 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2027

Selective Licensing Phase 2 – parts of Carlton Hill, Colwick, Daybrook and Newstead Village

Covers prescribed areas of Carlton Hill, Colwick, Daybrook and Newstead Village wards. Privately rented homes in those areas need a selective licence.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Gedling-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.
Letting an unlicensed HMO can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026) or prosecution, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Run the free HMO checker

Compare HMO licence fees across 71 councils

Manage the HMO in RentFig — rooms, licensing checks, certificates.

HMO licensing in Gedling — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Gedling?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Gedling runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Gedling?: Gedling has 2 schemes in force on our register: Selective Licensing Phase 1a – Netherfield ward (from 5 January 2025 to 4 January 2030); Selective Licensing Phase 2 – parts of Carlton Hill, Colwick, Daybrook and Newstead Village (from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2027). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Gedling?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Gedling's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Gedling?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Gedling can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Gedling?: HMO licence applications in Gedling are handled by Gedling Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Gedling HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's tenant reference form — free, no account needed — then run tenant referencing from £9 per tenant: a credit check, or a £19 full reference with Right to Rent. Pay per check, no subscription.

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.

Start free See features

HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Gedling with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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