Unlicensed Properties Can Be Fined in Southend-on-Sea
Property Licensing Guide for Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea currently operates selective licensing; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 20 October 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.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Southend-on-Sea is in the East of England registration window for the PRS database, which opens on 15 January 2027: see when landlords in the East of England have to register on the PRS database.
Southend-on-Sea Property Licensing Schemes
The selective designation ends on 30 November 2026. As at 20 October 2026 the council’s licensing pages do not say whether a replacement scheme will follow, so check them before you let or re-let a property after that date.
To check whether a Southend-on-Sea address is in a selective area, use the council’s interactive map or Kamma’s property licence checker. Letting agents managing across several boroughs can see how Kamma helps.
Not sure whether a Southend-on-Sea property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Southend-on-Sea property →What are the licensing requirements for Southend-on-Sea?
Mandatory licensing in Southend-on-Sea
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Southend-on-Sea (and all of England) to larger HMOs. These are 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 Southend-on-Sea?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed. That means a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Southend-on-Sea does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme; larger HMOs are covered by the national mandatory HMO scheme.
Do I need a selective licence in Southend-on-Sea?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Southend-on-Sea operates selective licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 1 December 2021 to 30 November 2026, covering Chalkwell, Kursaal, Milton and Victoria.
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?
Apply through the council’s Property Licensing online portal. You can part-complete an application, add documents and track progress. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence | £830 per property |
| Mandatory HMO licence | £1,300 per property |
Fees as published by the council, verified 20 July 2026; subject to change. See the council’s fee page for full schedules, payment stages and discounts.
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Southend-on-Sea Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Southend-on-Sea operate?
Southend-on-Sea operates selective licensing (1 December 2021 to 30 November 2026), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Southend-on-Sea need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. In Southend-on-Sea, selective licensing applies to privately rented homes in parts of Chalkwell, Kursaal, Milton and Victoria wards until 30 November 2026. Mandatory HMO licensing applies borough-wide to HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating a Southend-on-Sea property without a required licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. The landlord also risks a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. A letting agent who manages the property or collects the rent commits the offence too and can be fined separately.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Southend-on-Sea. The council’s online form accepts applications from owners, employed managers and people who receive the rent, and many agents manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Southend-on-Sea property licence?
You can apply through Southend-on-Sea Council’s Property Licensing online portal, or use a managed service such as Kamma. The council’s selective licensing application page gives the fee and licence term.
Why did Southend-on-Sea introduce selective licensing?
Southend-on-Sea Council consulted on selective licensing for parts of Kursaal, Milton, Chalkwell and Victoria wards. It cited known anti-social behaviour, poor property conditions, high crime levels and deprivation. The council approved the scheme on 18 March 2021 and it started on 1 December 2021.
Does Southend-on-Sea have additional HMO licensing?
No. Southend-on-Sea Council does not operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Its review of the selective scheme said the council was exploring whether additional licensing for HMOs could improve housing conditions. As at 20 October 2026, only HMOs of five or more people need a licence under the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Southend-on-Sea?
Southend-on-Sea Council’s HMO licence application guide sets out the standards. The council requires up-to-date fire detection, electrical installation, gas safety and fire risk assessment certificates before it treats an application as valid. The mandatory HMO fee is £1,300 for five lettings plus £120 for each extra letting, paid in two parts (£312, then £988), with no discount or instalments.
About Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea’s selective licensing scheme covers eight neighbourhoods across four wards: Milton, Kursaal, Victoria and Chalkwell. The council approved the designation on 18 March 2021 and it started on 1 December 2021. Properties with an HMO licence are exempt from selective licensing. Each flat in a rented block needs its own licence. The council publishes an interactive map and a public register of licensed properties. Questions go to PropertyLicensing@southend.gov.uk or 01702 212220.
Licensing Enforcement in Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea Council’s selective licensing page warns of unlimited penalties for failing to obtain a licence. Civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property also apply. The landlord can also face a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. Where a letting agent manages the property or collects the rent, the agent commits the offence too and can be fined in its own right.
