Bristol City Council — landlord licensing reference

Bristol City Council — South West.

Selective licensing: designated areas only. Bristol operates mandatory HMO, additional HMO and selective licensing across designated areas.

Additional HMO licensing: city-wide scheme confirmed. Bristol City Council operates a citywide additional HMO licensing scheme which came into effect on 6 August 2024. The council states most privately rented HMOs need an additional licence, except those already covered by mandatory licensing or by an existing additional licensing scheme. Existing or previous additional licences expiring before 6 August 2029 must be renewed under the citywide scheme. Bristol separately operates selective licensing in Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham, and Easton.

Council licensing page: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/property-licences/types-of-licence

Council HMO page: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/property-licences/licence-fees-extra-charges-and-discounts/mandatory-house-in-multiple-occupation-hmo-licence-fee

Last verified: 2026-08-16.

Reference data only — always check the council's own page before applying.