Reading Landlords Must Obtain Licence

Reading Borough Council has introduced a borough-wide Additional Licensing scheme to improve property conditions and management standards for tenants in Reading. The scheme, which came into effect on 1 March 2026, applies to certain houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) not covered by the mandatory HMO licensing scheme.

Under the scheme, landlords must apply for an Additional Licence if they rent out a property in Reading, regardless of the number of storeys. This includes single-storey flats as well as properties of two, three or more storeys. Landlords of affected properties must submit an application by 31 May to avoid a late application fee or enforcement action.

To obtain a licence, landlords will need to provide the necessary safety and compliance documentation, pay the relevant licence fee of £1,500 for up to five years, and comply with the conditions attached to the licence. A separate licence is required for each property that falls within the scope of the scheme. Home Safe has been appointed as the Council’s delivery partner for the scheme and will work in partnership with the Council to manage the application process and support inspection and compliance activity.

Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing at Reading Borough Council, said:

We know that Reading is home to a high number of rental properties, which is why the Council intends to do all it can to further drive up living standards for the many thousands of tenants who live in them. Our additional licensing scheme aims to improve property conditions, increase our ability to enforce better private rented standards and target areas where we anticipate the most issues.

Mike Brook, Scheme Manager at Home Safe, said:

We are pleased to be working in partnership with Reading Borough Council to deliver its Additional Licensing Scheme. Our role is to support a clear and straightforward application process, while helping ensure properties meet the required standards.

Guidance for landlords and agents, together with the online application portal, is available on the Home Safe website. Landlords who submit a late application may face a £250 surcharge, and those who fail to apply may face a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence or prosecution and an unlimited fine. Home Safe is holding bookable sessions at the Civic Centre on 21 May to help any landlords who need assistance with the application process.

Source: Reading Borough Council