Do I need an HMO licence in Portsmouth?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Portsmouth 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.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Portsmouth?

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

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Portsmouth can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Portsmouth?

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

Portsmouth HMO licensing guide

Portsmouth HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Portsmouth if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Portsmouth's own licensing scheme can also cover smaller lets (details below). Portsmouth City Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Portsmouth City Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Portsmouth?

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-designatedIn force in Portsmouth
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsNot in force in Portsmouth

Active and upcoming schemes

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

Additional HMOEffective: In force from 1 September 2023 until 31 August 2028 (designated by Cabinet on 22 November 2022)

Citywide Additional Licensing of HMOs (2023-2028)

The designation covers the whole Portsmouth district. Any privately rented HMO occupied by 3 or more people in 2 or more households needs a licence, unless it is already covered by mandatory licensing or an exemption. The council's page also describes a related section 257 licence for converted blocks.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Portsmouth-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.
Letting an unlicensed HMO can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026) or prosecution, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Run the free HMO checker

Compare HMO licence fees across 71 councils

Manage the HMO in RentFig — rooms, licensing checks, certificates.

HMO licensing in Portsmouth — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Portsmouth?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?: Portsmouth has one scheme in force on our register: Citywide Additional Licensing of HMOs (2023-2028) (from In force from 1 September 2023 until 31 August 2028 (designated by Cabinet on 22 November 2022)). It 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 Portsmouth?: 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. Portsmouth's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Portsmouth?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Portsmouth can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Portsmouth?: HMO licence applications in Portsmouth are handled by Portsmouth City Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Referencing tenants for your Portsmouth HMO?

Licensed HMOs mean more tenants to vet. Start with RentFig's free tenant credit check form — free, no account needed — then run tenant referencing from £9 per tenant: a credit check, or a £19 full reference with Right to Rent. 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.

Start free See features

HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Portsmouth with other areas we track.

View all councils we track →

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