HMO licensing in Maidstone
National averages shown for this councilDo you need an HMO licence in Maidstone?
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Maidstone property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. Maidstone does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them.
Some figures below are national averages, not this council's own numbers. Confirm with Maidstone council before relying on them.
Licensing schemes in force
Mandatory HMO licensing
Applies district-wide to HMOs with 5+ occupants forming 2+ households. National scheme under the Housing Act 2004, Part 2. It has no end date and never lapses.
Additional licensing
No additional scheme currently operates in Maidstone. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) do not need a licence. We track consultations, so this page updates if that changes.
Selective licensing
No selective scheme is in force. Selective licensing covers all privately rented homes in a designated area, not just HMOs.
Article 4 direction
We have not confirmed the Article 4 position for Maidstone yet. Ask the council's planning department before converting a property, because getting this wrong can mean an enforcement notice.
Licence fees (2026)
| Application | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £1,100 | National avg. |
| Renewal | £750 | National avg. |
| Validity | 5 years | National avg. |
Many councils split payment into two stages following the Gaskin ruling. The figures above are totals.
Track your Maidstone HMO
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Start freeRoom sizes and amenity standards
| Standard | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom, 1 adult | 6.51 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, 2 adults | 10.22 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, child under 10 | 4.64 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
Local standards are where councils differ most, and they change without notice. Confirm with Maidstone council before letting a room.
What you need to apply
- Gas safety certificate (CP12), current
- Electrical installation condition report (EICR), within 5 years
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting test certificates
- Floor plan with room sizes marked
- Fit and proper person declaration
- Energy performance certificate (EPC), E or above
What changed
- Renters' Rights Act commencement. Periodic tenancies noted in guidance.
We have not yet gathered this council's own data. This page shows national figures until we do.
Maidstone HMO questions, answered plainly
Do I need an HMO licence in Maidstone?+
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Maidstone property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. This is the England-wide mandatory rule under the Housing Act 2004. Maidstone does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them. Confirm the current position with the council before accepting tenants.
How much does an HMO licence cost in Maidstone?+
We have not yet verified fee data for Maidstone. The national average for a new mandatory HMO licence is around £1,100, with renewals around £750. Check the council website for the actual figures.
Does Maidstone have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?+
We have not yet confirmed the Article 4 position for Maidstone. Check with the council's planning department before converting a property.
What are the minimum room sizes for an HMO in Maidstone?+
National minimums apply: 6.51m² for one adult, 10.22m² for two adults, and 4.64m² for a child under 10. Rooms under 4.64m² cannot be used for sleeping. Maidstone may also apply local amenity standards for kitchens and bathrooms, so check before letting.
What happens if I run an unlicensed HMO in Maidstone?+
Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004. The council can prosecute (unlimited fine) or issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence. Tenants can claim back up to 12 months of rent through a Rent Repayment Order, and Section 21 notices are invalid while the property is unlicensed.
Neighbouring councils
Know where your Maidstone HMO stands.
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Sources
- Housing Act 2004, Part 2 (mandatory licensing framework)
- Licensing of HMOs (Mandatory Conditions) Regulations 2018 (room sizes)
HMOJO surfaces licensing information and shows its sources. It is not legal advice and we never certify that a property is compliant. Rules change, so confirm with Maidstone council or a qualified professional before acting.