Peterborough HMO licensing guide

Peterborough HMO licence — do you 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 27 July 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).
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HMO licensing in Peterborough — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Peterborough?
Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Peterborough 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 Peterborough?
Peterborough currently has one scheme on our register: City-Wide Additional HMO Licensing Scheme (from 26 January 2026). 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 Peterborough?
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. Peterborough's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Peterborough?
Letting an unlicensed HMO in Peterborough 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 Peterborough?
HMO licence applications in Peterborough are handled by Peterborough City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Peterborough HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's free tenant credit check form — free, no account needed — then run an optional credit check from £9 per tenant. 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 Peterborough with other areas we track.

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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.