Property licensing in the South West
We track 1 council in the South West. 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): Bristol City Council.
- Additional HMO licensing (smaller shared houses, usually 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households): Bristol City 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol City Council | Selective licensing, Additional HMO licensing | 9 October 2026 |
Council by council
Bristol City Council
- Selective licensing: Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham and Easton wards. From 6 August 2024 to 5 August 2029. Fee: £912 total (£467 when you apply, £445 when the application is successful).
- Selective licensing: Bedminster and Brislington West wards. From 6 April 2022. Fee: £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). From 6 August 2024 to 5 August 2029. Fee: £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. From 6 April 2022. Fee: £1,300 total (£1,000 when you apply, £300 when the application is successful).
Full details for Bristol City 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.