Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton wards | 6 August 2024 to 5 August 2029 | £912 total (£467 when you apply, £445 when the application is successful) |
| Selective licensing | Bedminster and Brislington West wards | 6 April 2022 to not published | £799 total (£499 when you apply, £300 when the application is successful) |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole city (HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing or by the Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield additional scheme) | 6 August 2024 to 5 August 2029 | £1,861 for a first licence (£1,023 when you apply, £838 when successful); £1,470 for a renewal (£808 + £662) |
| Additional HMO licensing | Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield wards | 6 April 2022 to not published | £1,300 total (£1,000 when you apply, £300 when the application is successful) |
Check your street on the council map →
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A smaller HMO inside an additional licensing area: yes, additional licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Bristol City Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £912 total (£467 when you apply, £445 when the application is successful); Selective licensing £799 total (£499 when you apply, £300 when the application is successful); Additional HMO licensing £1,861 for a first licence (£1,023 when you apply, £838 when successful); £1,470 for a renewal (£808 + £662); Additional HMO licensing £1,300 total (£1,000 when you apply, £300 when the application is successful).
Penalties for letting without a licence
Bristol's designation notice warns that failing to license a property that needs a licence is a criminal offence, with an unlimited fine on conviction or a civil penalty of up to £30,000, and the landlord may have to repay up to 12 months' rent.
What else to know about Bristol City Council
- Bristol fees are paid in two parts: the first with the application and the second only once the application is successful.
- Landlords accredited with Rent with Confidence get a £150 discount, and a further £150 discount or refund is available for supplying the required safety and performance certificates.
- If you start letting a property in a licensing area, you have 28 days from when it was first occupied to apply.
- The online application takes about 20 minutes and asks for mortgage details, owner information, property details and a payment card.
- The 2024 citywide additional and three-ward selective designations were made on 6 February 2024 and run until 5 August 2029; licences last five years.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bristol City Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton wards; Bedminster and Brislington West wards. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Bristol City Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole city (HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing or by the Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield additional scheme); Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield wards.
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/property-licences/check-if-you-need-a-property-licence-and-apply