Hastings: landlord licensing
Hastings does not currently run a selective or additional licensing scheme, but mandatory HMO licensing still applies. Here is the full picture.
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Proposed / under review
These schemes are consulted on or otherwise not yet formally in force. They do not require a licence today but are worth watching.
Selective licensing
proposedPROPOSED new selective scheme covering 6 wards. Still described as 'Proposed', no in-force date or fee.
- Dates
- To be confirmed
- Wards / areas
- Braybrooke, Castle, Central St Leonards, Gensing, Old Hastings, Tressell
Mandatory HMO licensing (applies everywhere)
Regardless of local schemes, any property in Hastings let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households, who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, needs a mandatory HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004. Licences last up to 5 years and the fee is set by the council.
Penalties for operating unlicensed
- Civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026).
- Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months' rent, claimable by the tenant.
- Unlimited fine on criminal prosecution, plus possible banning order.
- Once the national PRS Database is live, unregistered landlords can be blocked from regaining possession.
Notes
Previous selective (expired 2020) and additional (expired 2023) schemes. New scheme proposed, not yet in force.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landlord licence in Hastings?
Hastings does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. However, mandatory HMO licensing still applies to any property let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households and sharing facilities.
What is the penalty for an unlicensed property in Hastings?
Operating a licensable property without a licence can lead to a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months' rent, an unlimited fine on prosecution, and a banning order for serious or repeat offenders.
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Data verified against council sources as of July 2026. PRSCheck is an information service, not legal advice. Many schemes are designated at street or part-ward level; confirm the exact boundary for your address with the council before relying on this page. Browse all councils.