Landlord guide for Cambridge

Landlord licensing and compliance reference for Cambridge (Cambridge City Council, East of England; population ~146,000).

Licensing position

Cambridge operates additional HMO licensing city-wide and tight planning restrictions on new HMO conversions.

• Additional HMO licensing covers all HMOs of 3 or more unrelated people across the city.
• Mandatory 5+ person HMO licensing applies UK-wide.
• Article 4 Direction restricts new HMO conversions in central wards.
• No city-wide selective licensing scheme currently in force.

Local notes

• University of Cambridge + Anglia Ruskin drive student demand.
• Strong biotech employer base supports professional lets.

Indicative Cambridge PRS rent (2025) ~£1,800/month for a 2-bed.

Council licensing page: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/licensing-of-houses-in-multiple-occupation

Reference data only — always confirm the current scheme on the council's own page.