Do I need an HMO licence in Medway?

Medway is currently consulting on property licensing. For now only the national mandatory HMO licence applies — you need one if you let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households — but that may change if a scheme is confirmed.

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.

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Medway can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' 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 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 27 July 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

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).

Run the free HMO checker

HMO licensing in Medway — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Medway?: Medway is currently consulting on property licensing. For now only the national mandatory HMO licence applies — you need one if you let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households — but that may change if a scheme is confirmed.
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.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Medway?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Medway can mean a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' 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.

Referencing tenants for your Medway HMO?

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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 Medway with other areas we track.

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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.