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Property Licensing Guide for Portsmouth
Portsmouth currently operates additional licensing in 14 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
Portsmouth Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Portsmouth? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Portsmouth and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
Not sure whether a Portsmouth property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Portsmouth property →What are the licensing requirements for Portsmouth?
Mandatory licensing in Portsmouth
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Portsmouth (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Portsmouth?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Portsmouth operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Portsmouth?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Portsmouth does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme.
Additional licensing: 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2028 — covering Baffins, Central Southsea, Charles Dickens, Copnor, Cosham, Drayton and Farlington, Eastney and Craneswater, Fratton, Hilsea, Milton, Nelson, Paulsgrove, St Jude and St Thomas.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Portsmouth Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Portsmouth City Council charges two-part fees, tiered by licence length:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO | a new 5-year licence for up to 5 bedrooms totals about £1,257 (Part 1 £314 + Part 2 £943); larger HMOs and shorter terms cost more. |
| Additional HMO | a new 5-year licence totals £886 (Stage 1 £222 + Stage 2 £664); shorter terms cost more. |
Fees are set by the council and can change — check Portsmouth City Council’s HMO licensing fee pages for the full schedule.
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Portsmouth Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Portsmouth operate?
Portsmouth operates additional licensing (1 September 2023 to 31 August 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Portsmouth need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Portsmouth, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Portsmouth property licence?
You can apply through Portsmouth Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Portsmouth introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Portsmouth introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Portsmouth?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a historic city and unitary authority in Hampshire, England, located on Portsea Island between Portsmouth Harbour and Langstone Harbour. Known for its significant naval base, Portsmouth has a maritime history that dates back to 1194 when King Richard I established it due to its strategic location. The Royal Dockyard, a major employer since 1496, expanded over the centuries and now includes extensive facilities. Although the city was heavily bombed during World War II, it was extensively rebuilt post-war. Portsmouth is a popular tourist destination, with attractions like HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose in its dockyard, as well as Southsea Castle and Charles Dickens’ birthplace. Tourism, shipbuilding, and aircraft engineering are key economic sectors. Covering 15 square miles, Portsmouth had a population of 205,056 in 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Portsmouth
Portsmouth Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
