Property licensing in the South East
We track 2 councils in the South East. Each one is checked against the council’s own website, most recently on 9 October 2026. Always confirm the exact street on the council’s map before you let a property.
At a glance
- Selective licensing (every privately rented home in the area needs a licence): Oxford City Council.
- Additional HMO licensing (smaller shared houses, usually 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households): Oxford City Council.
- Mandatory HMO licensing only: Thanet District Council.
Mandatory HMO licensing applies in every council area in England: a licence is needed for a house shared by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households.
| Council | Schemes | Last checked |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford City Council | Selective licensing, Additional HMO licensing | 9 October 2026 |
| Thanet District Council | Mandatory HMO only | 9 October 2026 |
Council by council
Oxford City Council
- Selective licensing: Whole city. From 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2027. Fee: From 1 April 2026: £853 standard (£323 + £530), £612 accredited, £1,803 higher rate if unlicensed for over 12 weeks, £210 renewal of a 1-year licence.
- Additional HMO licensing: Whole city (HMOs with 3 or 4 occupiers and section 257 HMOs). From 25 June 2026 to 24 June 2031. Fee: From 1 April 2026: £858 standard new application (£407 + £451), £3,190 higher rate if unlicensed over 12 weeks; renewals from £392.
Full details for Oxford City Council, including how to apply and penalties.
Thanet District Council
No selective or additional licensing scheme recorded. Mandatory HMO licensing still applies. No additional HMO licensing scheme
Full details for Thanet District Council, including how to apply and penalties.
How to check whether your property needs a licence
- Find the council for the property’s address. Our licensing checker suggests the likely council from the postcode.
- Check which schemes cover the street. Schemes often cover only some wards, so use the council’s own map or postcode search.
- Apply before you let the property, or as soon as a new scheme starts. Councils can impose a civil penalty or prosecute for an unlicensed property, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order.
New to this? Read HMO licensing explained, and keep your gas safety, EICR and EPC dates in order with our compliance record. This page is general information, not legal advice.