HMO licensing in Reading: fees, new schemes and how to apply
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Reading Borough Council's own published pages on the date above
A mandatory HMO licence in Reading costs £1,500 total for up to 5 letting rooms (£1,125 Part A + £375 Part B), plus £28 per extra room (Reading Borough Council, checked 23 August 2026).
New additional licensing came into force 1 March 2026, covering HMOs with 3-4 occupants not already caught by mandatory licensing; selective licensing for Battle, Park and Redlands wards was reported at consultation stage - confirm whether it has since been formally adopted.
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Get it done for you →This page sets out Reading's own published fees and schemes - 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 Reading Borough 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 Reading?
Reading has just widened who needs a licence: its new additional licensing scheme, in force from 1 March 2026, catches HMOs with 3 or 4 occupants that weren't previously covered by mandatory licensing, town-wide (Reading Borough Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Its selective licensing proposal for Battle, Park and Redlands wards was reported at consultation stage in the sources reviewed this pass - confirm with the council whether this has since progressed to a formal designation.
What does an HMO licence cost in Reading?
Fees are split into Part A and Part B, with a penalty for late applications (Reading Borough Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Proposed selective licence: £750 standard, £650 accredited landlords, £250 rent guarantee scheme properties (not confirmed as formally in force this pass) - see Reading Borough Council's HMO pages →
✓ Checked against Reading Borough Council, 23 August 2026
Does Reading run additional or selective licensing?
| Scheme | Status in Reading |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Town-wide, applies to every large HMO (5+ occupants, 2+ households) |
| Additional licensing | Town-wide, in force since 1 March 2026, covers HMOs with 3-4 occupants |
| Selective licensing | Reported at consultation stage for Battle, Park and Redlands wards - confirm current status |
If you're in Battle, Park or Redlands, watch the council's site for confirmation of whether selective licensing has since been formally adopted.
How do you apply for an HMO licence in Reading?
All applications must be made online through the council's dedicated portal (Reading Borough Council, checked 23 August 2026).
- Check which scheme applies to your property based on occupant numbers.
- Gather your property details and supporting documents.
- Apply online through the council's HMO licensing portal and pay Part A.
- Await the council's assessment - applications are processed in date order, with priority given to new and problematic properties.
- Pay Part B (invoiced, due within 7 days) once checks are complete.
How long does a Reading HMO licence take?
The council aims to process complete applications within 6 months of receipt, though it notes this may currently take significantly longer due to demand and staffing constraints (Reading Borough Council, checked 23 August 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mandatory HMO licence cost in Reading?
£1,500 total for up to 5 letting rooms (£1,125 + £375), plus £28 per extra room; late applications cost £1,750.
When did additional licensing start in Reading?
1 March 2026, covering HMOs with 3 or 4 occupants that aren't already caught by mandatory licensing.
Is selective licensing in force in Reading?
It was reported at consultation stage for Battle, Park and Redlands wards - confirm with the council whether it has since been formally adopted.
Where do I apply for a Reading HMO licence?
Directly through Reading Borough Council's dedicated online HMO licensing portal - all applications must be made online.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Reading Borough Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal advice - for anything specific to your property, contact Reading Borough Council's HMO licensing team directly.