HMO licensing in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole: fees and how to apply
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against BCP Council's own published pages on the date above
A mandatory HMO licence in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) costs £1,511 total for a new application (£486.50 Stage 1 + £1,024.50 Stage 2), or £1,391.50 for a renewal, with accredited landlords receiving a 20% discount on the application fee (BCP Council, checked 23 August 2026).
On the pages reviewed for this guide, BCP doesn't currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, though it has previously consulted on discretionary licensing proposals.
Short on time?Let us prepare your BCP HMO application - fixed fee, and we always show you the free official route first.
Get it done for you →This page sets out BCP's own published fees - for the wider system, see our HMO & landlord licensing hub, and for the national rules on who needs a licence, see do I need an HMO licence?
This is general information sourced from BCP Council's own website, not legal advice - always confirm current fees and scheme status with the council directly before you apply.
What's different about HMO licensing in BCP?
BCP Council licenses every large HMO (5+ occupants, 2+ households) under mandatory licensing across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, but the pages reviewed for this guide didn't show an additional or selective licensing scheme currently in force (BCP Council, checked 23 August 2026).
The council has previously consulted on introducing discretionary licensing - which would have added both an additional scheme for non-mandatory HMOs and a selective scheme for a defined geographical area - so it's worth checking the council's site periodically for any change to this.
What does an HMO licence cost in BCP?
Fees are split into Stage 1 and Stage 2 payments (BCP Council, checked 23 August 2026).
GBP 27.50 per extra unit above the base allowance; accredited landlords get a 20% discount on the application fee - see BCP Council's full fee page →
✓ Checked against BCP Council, 23 August 2026
Does BCP run additional or selective licensing?
| Scheme | Status in BCP |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, applies to every large HMO (5+ occupants, 2+ households) |
| Additional licensing | Not found in force on the pages reviewed this pass |
| Selective licensing | Not found in force on the pages reviewed this pass; discretionary licensing has previously been consulted on |
Scheme status can change and councils regularly consult on new designations - always check the council's own page for the current position.
How do you apply for an HMO licence in BCP?
You apply through the BCP Council online portal (BCP Council, checked 23 August 2026).
- Check if your property needs a licence - occupant and household numbers.
- Gather your documents - floor plans, fire detection certificates, emergency lighting certificates, gas and electrical safety certificates, and a fire risk assessment.
- Apply online through the BCP Council portal and pay Stage 1.
- Await the council's assessment, including any required inspection.
- Pay Stage 2 and receive your licence, valid for up to 5 years.
How long does a BCP HMO licence take?
BCP Council's pages reviewed for this guide didn't set out a fixed processing timescale (checked 23 August 2026) - confirm current turnaround with the council's housing team.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an HMO licence cost in BCP?
£1,511 total for a new licence (£486.50 + £1,024.50), or £1,391.50 for a renewal, plus £27.50 per extra unit above the base allowance. Accredited landlords get a 20% discount on the application fee.
Does BCP have additional or selective licensing?
Not on the pages reviewed for this guide - BCP appears to run mandatory HMO licensing only at the time of writing, though it has previously consulted on discretionary licensing.
How long does a BCP HMO licence last?
Up to 5 years, after which you need to renew before it expires.
Where do I apply for a BCP HMO licence?
Directly through the BCP Council online portal.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to BCP Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal advice - for anything specific to your property, contact BCP Council's housing team directly.