Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole district (HMOs with 5 or more people forming more than one household) | not published to no end date | 2 to 8 units: £1,561 accredited or £1,761 non-accredited (£1,033 application fee plus £528 or £728 compliance fee), plus £41 per unit over 8; fees apply 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 |
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- A single-household let: no local scheme recorded, but check the council’s site for new consultations.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Thanet District Council website. Published fees: Mandatory HMO licensing 2 to 8 units: £1,561 accredited or £1,761 non-accredited (£1,033 application fee plus £528 or £728 compliance fee), plus £41 per unit over 8; fees apply 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Penalties for letting without a licence
Thanet's financial penalties policy allows penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for housing offences, including failing to license an HMO; prosecution can lead to an unlimited fine.
What else to know about Thanet District Council
- Thanet's selective licensing designation for parts of Margate Central and Cliftonville West expired on 20 April 2021 and the council no longer accepts new selective licence applications.
- Selective licences issued before the designation expired stay in force until they expire or are revoked by the council.
- Renewing an HMO licence at least six weeks before it expires lowers the application fee from £1,033 to £865.
- Landlords accredited with the Kent Landlord Accreditation Scheme (KLAS) or NRLA Accreditation pay a lower HMO compliance fee.
- The HMO compliance fee is requested only once the council has assessed a valid application and proposes to grant a licence; fees are non-refundable if you withdraw.
- There is no charge to vary an HMO licence or to notify a change of address.
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 Thanet District Council have selective licensing?
We have no selective licensing scheme recorded for Thanet District Council as of 9 October 2026.
Does Thanet District Council have additional HMO licensing?
No additional HMO licensing scheme
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.gov.uk/apply-for-a-licence/house-in-multiple-occupation-licence/thanet/apply-1