Is your landlord licensed? If not, you may be owed thousands.

Many landlords rent properties without the licences required by law — HMO licences, selective licences, and from 1 May 2026, Landlord Database registration. If your property was unlicensed while you were paying rent, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. No criminal conviction required.

If your property has 5+ occupants from 2+ households sharing facilities (kitchen, bathroom), it is almost certainly a licensable HMO. Your landlord must hold a licence. Operating without one is a criminal offence and a ground for an RRO.

Some councils extend licensing to smaller HMOs (e.g. 3 or 4 people, 2 households). Check your local council to see whether an Additional Licensing scheme applies in your area.

Some councils designate specific areas for Selective Licensing — meaning all private landlords in that area need a licence, even for single-household lets. Common in high-demand cities. Check your council's website.

New from 1 May 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. All private landlords must register on the Landlord Database. Failure to register is a criminal offence and a standalone ground for an RRO.

Up to 24 months’ rent if unlicensed

Is your landlord licensed?

If not, you may be owed thousands.

Many landlords rent properties without the licences required by law — HMO licences, selective licences, and from 1 May 2026, Landlord Database registration. If your property was unlicensed while you were paying rent, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. No criminal conviction required.

This page explains the three types of licence, how to check whether your landlord has one, and how Start My Claim builds your application.

Four types of licence — any one could apply to you.

Three ways to find out if your landlord is licensed.

Most councils publish their HMO and selective licensing registers online. Search your council's website for 'HMO register' or 'licensing register'. You can usually search by address. If your property is not listed, it is either not required to be licensed or is operating without one.

Email or call the council's private sector housing team and ask them to confirm in writing whether the property at your address holds a valid licence. A written response is valuable evidence for an RRO application.

The national Landlord Database allows tenants to check whether their landlord is registered. Registration is mandatory for all private landlords in England. An unregistered landlord is committing an offence and can be the subject of an RRO.

Save your evidence now

Take a screenshot of the council’s licence register showing your property is not listed. If you receive a written confirmation from the council, save it. This evidence is essential — and the register can be updated at any time.

Unlicensed landlord? Start your claim.

Start My Claim prepares your complete RRO application, including evidence bundle and witness statement, for the First-tier Tribunal. Fixed fee £147.

Landlord licensing — FAQ

Sources: Housing Act 2004, Parts 2–3 (HMO and selective licensing) · Housing and Planning Act 2016, Part 2 (rent repayment orders) · Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (c.34), ss.18–24 · MHCLG: The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 · Landlord and Tenant Act 1985