Reading landlord licensing
Published · Updated
Here's what Reading Council's records show for private landlords: additional HMO licensing covering Whole borough (s254 HMOs with 3+ persons/2+ households; s257 converted blocks excluded but individual flats included), starting 1 March 2026. Mandatory HMO licensing also applies, as it does across England.
| Selective licensing | |
|---|---|
| Status | proposed only |
| Area / wards | Check with the council |
| Start | Check with the council |
| End | Check with the council |
| Additional HMO licensing | |
| Status | yes |
| Area / wards | Whole borough (s254 HMOs with 3+ persons/2+ households; s257 converted blocks excluded but individual flats included) |
| Start | 1 March 2026 |
| End | 28 February 2031 |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Check with the council |
| Fees as stated by the official source | Check with the council |
| Official source | https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/private-renting/extension-of-property-licensing/additional-licensing-designation/ |
| Last checked | 12 October 2026 |
What this means for landlords
Smaller HMOs that fall below the mandatory threshold may still need a licence under the additional scheme. It runs until 28 February 2031.
Fees: check with the council.
Reading licensing FAQs
Do I need a property licence to rent out a home in Reading?
Here's what Reading Council's records show for private landlords: additional HMO licensing covering Whole borough (s254 HMOs with 3+ persons/2+ households; s257 converted blocks excluded but individual flats included), starting 1 March 2026.
How much is a landlord licence in Reading?
We couldn't confirm the fees from an official source, so check with the council.
When does the licensing scheme in Reading end?
Per the official source, additional licensing runs until 28 February 2031.
When was this page last checked?
We last checked the official source on 12 October 2026. Schemes change, so confirm with the council before you apply.
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- Gas safety certificate expiry calculator
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Start free for 1 monthGeneral information, not legal advice. Licensing schemes change, so confirm with the council before you let or apply.