HMO licensing in Bristol

Which licences a rented house needs in Bristol, and where. England. Checked 7 September 2026.

Bristol runs additional licensing and selective licensing on top of mandatory licensing.

Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Extends HMO licensing to smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) in a designated area.

StatusIn forceWherewhole districtDesignated6 August 2024

Citywide additional licensing in force from 6 August 2024; earlier additional schemes in Bedminster, Brislington West and Horfield wards from 6 April 2022. End dates not on page (public notice PDF unreadable)

Selective licensing

Every privately rented home in a designated area needs a licence, HMO or not.

StatusIn forceWherenamed areas: Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham, Easton (from 2024-08-06); Bedminster, Brislington West (from 2022-04-06)Designated6 August 2024

In force; end dates not stated on page

Council HMO page · Council Article 4 page · HMO Article 4 in Bristol

Check an exact postcode for Article 4

Is a postcode inside an HMO Article 4 area?

See this on every listing.Kerbio puts the Article 4 answer, licensing, the council's HMO register and sold prices on the Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket page itself. Free for 7 days, then £39 a month.

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Sources: Bristol council, gov.uk HMO licensing. Schemes change; confirm with the council before you offer.