Landlord guide for Portsmouth

Landlord licensing and compliance reference for Portsmouth (Portsmouth City Council, South East; population ~208,000).

Licensing position

Portsmouth operates additional HMO licensing across the central wards and mandatory HMO rules city-wide.

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

Local notes

• University of Portsmouth (~25,000 students) drives student HMO demand.
• Naval base shapes parts of the local market.

Indicative Portsmouth PRS rent (2025) ~£1,050/month for a 2-bed.

Council licensing page: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/houses-in-multiple-occupation/

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