New HMO Rules
Hit Reading from 1st March 2026

Total Compliance Peace of Mind

What is changing?

Reading Borough Council is introducing a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme. This means that all HMOs in Reading will require a licence, including smaller shared properties that were not previously licensable.

From 1 March 2026, a licence will be required for:

• Properties occupied by three or more people
• Occupiers forming two or more households
• Where facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms are shared

This applies across the entire borough of Reading, not just specific areas.

Why this matters

If a property requires a licence and does not have one:

• The landlord may be committing a criminal offence
• The Council can issue financial penalties of up to £30,000
• Rent Repayment Orders and other enforcement action may apply

What you should do now

Although the scheme does not start until March 2026, we recommend that landlords:

• Review their portfolio to identify any properties that may be classed as HMOs
• Check whether any currently unlicensed properties will fall within the new rules
• Begin preparing for a licence application (e.g. safety certificates, management arrangements, and property standards)

Reading Borough Council is expected to open applications closer to the implementation date. We will keep you updated as further details, including fees and application timelines, are confirmed.

Need help?

If you are unsure whether your property will require a licence, or if you would like support preparing for the new requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.