Do I need an HMO licence in Isles of Scilly?

Isles of Scilly doesn't run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so only the national mandatory HMO licence applies: you need one if you let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Isles of Scilly?

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.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Isles of Scilly?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Isles of Scilly 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 Isles of Scilly?

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

Isles of Scilly HMO licensing guide

Isles of Scilly HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Isles of Scilly if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Isles of Scilly runs no additional or selective scheme on top. Council of the Isles of Scilly sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Council of the Isles of Scilly using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Isles of Scilly?

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 Isles of Scilly
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsNot in force in Isles of Scilly

Licensing status in Isles of Scilly

Sourced from Isles of Scilly announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 12 November 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

Mandatory only

Mandatory HMO licensing only — no additional or selective scheme

Checked 2026-11-05: the council's own pages show no additional or selective licensing scheme; only national mandatory HMO licensing applies.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Isles of Scilly-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).

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Local detail for Isles of Scilly

Public register: Council of the Isles of Scilly's register of licensed HMOs

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HMO licensing in Isles of Scilly — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Isles of Scilly?: Isles of Scilly doesn't run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so only the national mandatory HMO licence applies: you need one if you let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Isles of Scilly?: 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.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Isles of Scilly?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Isles of Scilly 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 Isles of Scilly?: HMO licence applications in Isles of Scilly are handled by Council of the Isles of Scilly. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Isles of Scilly HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's free tenant credit check 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.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Isles of Scilly with other areas we track.

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