Do I need an HMO licence in Medway?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Medway runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Medway?

Medway currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing Schemes — Approved, Live from 4 January 2027 (from 4 January 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 Medway?

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. Medway's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Medway can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Medway?

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

Medway HMO licensing guide

Medway HMO licence — do you need one?

Medway has 1 licensing scheme 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.

Which licence do you need in Medway?

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 Medway
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Medway · See selective licensing in Medway

Active and upcoming schemes

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

SelectiveEffective: 4 January 2027

Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing Schemes — Approved, Live from 4 January 2027

Medway Council approved both a selective licensing scheme (covering 7 wards including Chatham Central & Brompton, Fort Pitt, Gillingham North, Gillingham South, Luton, Strood North & Frindsbury, and Watling) and an additional HMO licensing scheme (covering 6 of those wards) at its committee meeting on 22 September 2026. Both schemes come into force on 4 January 2027.

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 £40,000 (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026) and Rent Repayment Orders of up to 2 years' rent.

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Medway — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Medway?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Medway runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Medway?: Medway currently has one scheme on our register: Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing Schemes — Approved, Live from 4 January 2027 (from 4 January 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 Medway?: 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. Medway's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Medway?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Medway can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence — the maximum rose from £30,000 on 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 — plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent and a criminal record.
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Medway?: HMO licence applications in Medway are handled by Medway Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Medway with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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.