Portsmouth HMO Licence Fees: Full 2026 Breakdown

Portsmouth's HMO licence fees are split across two separate invoices, and the total depends on whether you hold a mandatory or additional licence, how long the licence runs, and whether you qualify for a cheaper tier. Getting the cheapest deal means understanding all three variables before you apply.

The Two-Part Fee Structure

Portsmouth uses a two-stage payment system. Part 1 (the application fee) is due when you submit the application and is non-refundable — even if you withdraw, your licence is refused, or planning permission falls through later. Part 2 (the grant fee) is invoiced after the council issues its Notice of Intention to Grant, and you have 14 days to pay. Miss that window and the application is cancelled. You lose the Part 1 fee and face a fresh application at new-application rates.

Additional HMO Licence Fees (2026)

These apply to properties with three or four occupants from two or more households.

New applications:

• 5-year licence: £222 (Part 1) + £664 (Part 2) = £886 total
• 2.5-year licence: £222 + £695 = £917
• 1-year licence: £222 + £1,007 = £1,229

Renewals:

• 5-year licence: £145 + £700 = £845
• 2.5-year licence: £145 + £595 = £740
• 1-year licence: £145 + £564 = £709

Section 257 converted buildings add £74 per flat under the licence holder's control.

Mandatory HMO Licence Fees (2026)

These apply to properties with five or more occupants. Base fees cover up to five bedrooms, with £60 added to the Part 2 fee for each bedroom above five.

New applications:

• 5-year licence: £314 + £943 = £1,257
• 2.5-year licence: £314 + £986 = £1,300
• 1-year licence: £314 + £1,429 = £1,743

Renewals:

• 5-year licence: £206 + £985 = £1,191
• 2.5-year licence: £206 + £844 = £1,050
• 1-year licence: £206 + £800 = £1,006

How to Qualify for the 5-Year Tier

The 5-year licence is the cheapest per year and requires all of the following: no justified tenant or neighbour complaints in the past 12 months, a valid landlord accreditation (NRLA, ARLA Propertymark, Safeagent, iHowz or others on Portsmouth's approved list), a valid EPC rated Band E or above, all safety certificates current, and — for renewals — the application submitted at least 14 days before the current licence expires.

If you miss a 5-year-only criterion but still meet the 2.5-year criteria, you drop to the 2.5-year tier. Serious issues (fit-and-proper concerns, condition breaches, missing certificates) can push you to a 1-year licence at the highest per-year cost.

Renewals vs New Applications

Renewal rates are lower, but only if you apply before the existing licence expires. Submit even one day late and the council treats it as a brand-new application at the higher rate. The difference is roughly £40–£140 depending on tier and scheme.

Our Portsmouth Landlord Licensing Guide includes the complete fee schedule with per-bedroom surcharges and a payment timeline so you can budget both stages before starting the application.

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