HMO licensing in Southampton: additional licensing fees
Written by Sam Allcock · Last updated 23 August 2026 · Facts checked against Southampton City Council's own published pages on the date above
Southampton's new additional HMO licensing scheme runs from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030, covering 9 designated wards that the council identified as holding 86% of the city's known HMOs (Southampton City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
The scheme applies to smaller HMOs (under 5 occupants) and HMOs within purpose-built student accommodation blocks. Landlords had 3 months from the scheme's start to apply at a fee of £953; applying after that deadline pushes the fee up to £1,618.
Short on time?Let us prepare your Southampton HMO application - fixed fee, and we always show you the free official route first.
Get it done for you →This page sets out Southampton's own published scheme details - 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 Southampton 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 Southampton?
Southampton designed its additional licensing scheme around data - the council identified that 86% of the city's known HMOs sit within just 9 wards, and targeted the scheme at exactly those areas rather than going citywide (Southampton City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
The scheme also carries a strict deadline penalty: landlords had 3 months from the 1 October 2025 start date to apply, and missing that window nearly doubles the fee from £953 to £1,618.
What does an HMO licence cost in Southampton?
Southampton's additional licensing fee depends entirely on whether you applied within the 3-month window from the scheme's start (Southampton City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
If your property falls in one of Southampton's 9 designated wards and you haven't yet applied, expect the higher late fee. Read Southampton City Council's HMO FAQ page →
✓ Checked against Southampton City Council, 23 August 2026
Does Southampton run additional or selective licensing?
| Scheme | Status in Southampton |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Citywide, applies to every large HMO (5+ occupants, 2+ households) |
| Additional licensing | 9 designated wards (86% of known HMOs), 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030 - covers smaller HMOs (under 5 occupants) and purpose-built student HMOs |
| Selective licensing | Not the focus of this research pass - confirm current position with the council |
Because the scheme targets specific wards rather than the whole city, check your exact address against Southampton's designated ward list before assuming your smaller HMO is exempt.
How do you apply for an HMO licence in Southampton?
You apply through Southampton City Council's own website, and the fee you pay depends on your application timing relative to the scheme's start date (Southampton City Council, checked 23 August 2026).
- Check if your property is in one of the 9 designated wards and has under 5 occupants, or is purpose-built student accommodation.
- Apply as soon as possible - the £953 fee only applied within 3 months of the 1 October 2025 scheme start; later applicants pay £1,618.
- Gather your property details - room sizes, occupant and household numbers, gas and electrical safety certificates.
- Apply online and pay the appropriate fee.
- Receive your licence, valid for the scheme's licensing period.
How long does a Southampton HMO licence take?
Southampton City 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 HMO licensing team once you've submitted your application, and don't delay if your property is in one of the 9 designated wards.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an additional HMO licence cost in Southampton?
£953 if you applied within 3 months of the scheme's 1 October 2025 start date; £1,618 for later applications.
Which wards need a licence under Southampton's scheme?
9 designated wards that the council identified as containing 86% of the city's known HMOs - check your exact address against the council's ward list.
Does Southampton's additional scheme cover purpose-built student accommodation?
Yes - the scheme covers smaller HMOs under 5 occupants and HMOs within purpose-built student accommodation blocks in the 9 designated wards.
Where do I apply for a Southampton HMO licence?
Directly through Southampton City Council's own website.
apply for licence is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Southampton City Council, GOV.UK or any government body. This page is general information, not legal advice - for anything specific to your property, contact Southampton City Council's HMO licensing team directly.