Do I need an HMO licence in Reading? (2026)
Last updated 2026-06-20
In Reading, an HMO licence is required where a property is let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Reading operates Mandatory, Additional licensing, which can require a licence for smaller shared homes below the mandatory threshold. The council fee is £1,500 and Reading typically processes applications in around 26 weeks. Get HMO Licence completes and submits the whole application for £599.
Check & start my Reading application — £599
- Licence needed?
- Yes, where a property is let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet
- Schemes in operation
- Mandatory, Additional licensing
- Council fee
- £1,500
- Processing time
- 26 weeks
- Article 4
- Yes
How much does an HMO licence cost in Reading?
The council fee for an HMO licence in Reading is £1,500, with our done-for-you service at £599.
The Reading fee scales by room count. Give us your room count for an exact figure.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Council fee — on application (Part A) | £1,125 |
| Council fee — on grant (Part B) | £375 |
| Council fee — total (paid to the council) | £1,500 |
| Get HMO Licence — we do it for you | £599 |
| Measured floor plan where the council requires a scaled plan | Price on request |
| Fire risk assessment where required for the licence | Price on request |
Verified 2026-06-20
The council’s own fee is paid directly to the council — we add no markup.
Scheme types in Reading
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies to larger HMOs (5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet).
- Reading operates additional licensing, which can cover smaller HMOs.
Article 4 directions in Reading
Reading has at least one Article 4 direction that removes permitted development rights for HMO conversions.
Local rules in Reading
- Mandatory fee £1,500 (Part A £1,125 + Part B £375) for up to 5 rooms; +£28 per additional room. Same for renewal.
- District-wide additional scheme (3+ person HMOs) in force 1 Mar 2026 to 28 Feb 2031, also £1,500 but split £750/£750.
- Article 4 Directions in Park, Redlands and Katesgrove wards; aim to process within 6 months.
How long does it take in Reading?
Reading typically processes HMO licence applications in around 26 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an HMO licence in Reading?
The council fee for an HMO licence in Reading is £1,500. Get HMO Licence completes and submits the application for £599.
How long does an HMO licence take in Reading?
Reading typically processes HMO licence applications in around 26 weeks.
Does Reading have additional or selective licensing?
Reading operates Mandatory, Additional licensing, so smaller shared homes can also need a licence.
Can Get HMO Licence apply for my Reading HMO licence for me?
Yes. Get HMO Licence completes and submits your Reading HMO licence application for £599, with the council fee paid directly to Reading.
Renting a shared home in Reading? You may need an HMO licence.
Operating an unlicensed HMO risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months’ rent (Renters' Rights Act 2025).
We handle the whole application for £599.
Doing it yourself is the best part of a day — chasing certificates and decoding your council’s forms. We give you that day back: about five minutes from you, and we handle the rest.
Start my Reading application — £599What you get
- Your day back — about five minutes of input from you, not a day of paperwork
- We complete and submit the full application to your council
- All the right forms for your council’s scheme
- A document checklist so nothing is missed
- A specialist review before submission
- Email support throughout
The council’s own fee (around £1,500) is paid directly to the council — no markup.
If we make an error that gets your application rejected as incomplete, we fix it free. We can never guarantee a licence. That decision is the council’s.
Secure payment via Stripe.
Prefer we call you and take it from here?
Leave your details — no payment to enquire — and we’ll confirm Reading’s scheme and handle the whole application for you.
Prefer to DIY? Reading HMO register →