Landlords and management agents in Peterborough are being urged to check if their properties require licences as soon as possible, to avoid facing potential enforcement action.
Peterborough City Council launched an Additional Licensing scheme in January aimed at improving standards in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This means that properties across the city which contain three or more occupants, who are not all related, will need to be licensed. The scheme covers around 2,000 properties and the council is encouraging landlords to apply for a licence before 26 April 2026 to avoid potential penalties.
It is an offence for a landlord to rent a small HMO in the city without applying for a licence. Landlords with unlicensed HMO properties, and those who fail to adhere to the conditions of the licence, can face a civil penalty notice of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine from the courts. Landlords could also be ordered to repay up to 12 months' rent. In such circumstances, the council would then consider whether it was appropriate to revoke the licence and take over the management of the property.
The council is encouraging landlords to come forward for advice on whether their property will need to be licensed. For further information about the scheme visit the council's Additional HMO Licensing website page.
Councillor Christian Hogg, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "We are fully committed to raising standards in the private rented sector in Peterborough and are confident that Additional Licensing will have a positive effect.
"It is vitally important that any property owners affected by the scheme apply for licences as soon as possible to avoid enforcement action. If you are unsure if your property is affected or want advice or support with your application, please contact our Housing Standards team who will be happy to assist you."
The new Additional HMO Licensing scheme extends the scope of HMO licensing in the city. Previously, only HMOs housing five or more people were required to hold a licence under national Mandatory HMO licensing. The new scheme requires HMOs which contain three or four persons to also be licensed, ensuring that HMOs of all sizes are required to be well managed and safe for tenants. This covers not just purpose built HMOs, but also shared houses which are occupied by three or more people.
Additional HMO Licensing came into force on 26 January 2026 and will be in effect until 25 January 2031. Landlords will be required to pay a fee of £1,100 for a five year licence. Landlords will also be required to comply with licence conditions to ensure HMOs are managed appropriately.
Peterborough City Council is working in partnership with Home Safe, who are supporting the council in delivering the new scheme. Landlords and agents will need to apply directly through Home Safe, who will manage the application process on behalf of the council.
For further details about Additional HMO Licensing email additional.licensing@peterborough.gov.uk