Peterborough HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Peterborough — do I need one?

Peterborough 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.

Active and upcoming schemes

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

Additional HMOEffective: 26 January 2026

City-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 26 January 2026)

A new city-wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme launched on 26 January 2026, requiring all HMOs with 3 or 4 occupants (and Section 257 HMOs) to be licensed. The scheme runs until 25 January 2031, covers an estimated 2,000 previously unlicensed properties, and charges a £1,100 five-year licence fee.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Peterborough-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

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 freeSee features

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