Medway HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Medway — do I need one?

Medway is currently consulting on private-sector property licensing. There are no confirmed schemes on our register yet, but the consultation may lead to one. This page tracks the latest status.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Medway announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 15 June 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

ConsultationEffective: Consultation closed 31 May 2026; Cabinet decision summer 2026

Proposed Additional HMO Licensing (6 wards) and Selective Licensing (7 wards) — Consultation

Medway Council ran a 10-week public consultation from 23 March to 31 May 2026 on proposals for a new additional HMO licensing scheme covering 6 wards and a selective licensing scheme covering 7 wards. Both schemes, if approved by Cabinet in summer 2026, are intended to start in autumn 2026 and run for five years.

Read the original announcement →
ConsultationEffective: Consultation opened 23 March 2026; closed 31 May 2026

Proposed Additional HMO Licensing and Selective Licensing — Multiple Wards Consultation

Medway launched a public consultation on 23 March 2026 (documents updated for accessibility on 21 April 2026) on proposals to introduce both additional HMO licensing for smaller shared houses and selective licensing for privately rented homes (excluding HMOs) in specified wards. The consultation closed on 31 May 2026, with final proposals due to go to Cabinet in summer 2026.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

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