HMO licensing in Bristol: additional & selective licensing fees
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Bristol City Council's own published pages on the date above
Bristol runs a citywide additional HMO licensing scheme, in force since 6 August 2024, charging £1,861 for a first-time licence or £1,470 to renew, both valid for 5 years and both reducible with discounts (Bristol City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Bristol also runs a selective licensing scheme covering Bishopston & Cotham & Easton wards, alongside earlier, smaller area-specific schemes in Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield that ran from 6 April 2022.
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Get it done for you →This page sets out Bristol's own published fees and schemes - for the wider system, see our HMO & landlord licensing hub, and for who needs a licence nationally, see do I need an HMO licence?
This is general information sourced from Bristol City Council's own website, not legal advice - always confirm current fees and ward boundaries with the council directly before you apply.
What's different about HMO licensing in Bristol?
Bristol widened its additional licensing scheme to cover the whole city from 6 August 2024, replacing an earlier, smaller scheme that had only covered Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield since 6 April 2022 (Bristol City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Bristol also builds discounts directly into its fee structure - Rent with Confidence accreditation and valid safety/performance certificates can each knock £150 off your fee, which is worth factoring in before you apply.
What does an HMO licence cost in Bristol?
Bristol's additional and selective licensing fees are paid in two instalments, with the total depending on whether it's a first-time licence or a renewal, and whether discounts apply (Bristol City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Rent with Confidence accreditation: £150 discount. Valid safety/performance certificates: £150 discount or refund. Read Bristol City Council's full fee schedule →
✓ Checked against Bristol City Council, 23 August 2026
Does Bristol run additional or selective licensing?
| Scheme | Status in Bristol |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Citywide, applies to every large HMO (5+ occupants, 2+ households) |
| Additional licensing | Citywide from 6 August 2024, 5-year duration; an earlier, smaller Bedminster/Brislington West/Horfield scheme ran from 6 April 2022 |
| Selective licensing | Bishopston, Cotham & Easton wards from 6 August 2024; an earlier Bedminster & Brislington West scheme ran from 6 April 2022 |
Because the citywide scheme replaced a smaller one, always check which scheme (and which fee) applies to your exact property and application date.
How do you apply for an HMO licence in Bristol?
You apply through Bristol City Council's own property licences pages, which cover both additional and selective licensing (Bristol City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
- Check if you need a licence using the council's property licence checker.
- Gather your property details - room sizes, occupant and household numbers, gas and electrical safety certificates.
- Apply online and pay the initial payment.
- Claim any discounts you're eligible for - Rent with Confidence accreditation and valid safety certificates.
- Pay the second payment once your application is approved, and receive your 5-year licence.
How long does a Bristol HMO licence take?
Bristol City Council's pages reviewed for this guide didn't set out a fixed processing timescale (checked 23 August 2026), though licences themselves run for 5 years once granted - confirm current turnaround with the council's licensing team once you've submitted your application.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an additional HMO licence cost in Bristol?
£1,861 for a first-time licence or £1,470 to renew, both under the citywide scheme running from 6 August 2024, less any discounts you qualify for.
What discounts are available on Bristol HMO fees?
£150 off for Rent with Confidence accreditation, and a further £150 discount or refund for valid safety/performance certificates.
Does Bristol run selective licensing too?
Yes - a scheme covers Bishopston, Cotham & Easton wards from 6 August 2024, at £912 total, alongside an earlier Bedminster & Brislington West scheme.
How long does a Bristol HMO licence last?
5 years, whether you hold a mandatory, additional or selective licence.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Bristol City Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal advice - for anything specific to your property, contact Bristol City Council's licensing team directly.