Licensing (HMO & selective) for landlords in Castle Point
Licensing is the one duty on this list that depends on where the property is - here's the picture for Castle Point specifically.
Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationwide to larger shared houses (5+ occupiers from 2+ households). On top of that, individual councils can designate their own selective licensing (covering all private rentals in an area) or additional licensing (smaller HMOs) schemes - and they can change with little notice. Kept resolves the council from your postcode and can show a maintained local prompt, but you must confirm the current position with the council and record any licence details yourself.
How to meet this duty, step by step
Use the postcode for context
Kept resolves the local authority and may show a maintained licensing prompt. It is not an exhaustive or authoritative check, so confirm the current position with the council.
Licence dates tracked like any other duty
Once a licence is confirmed, its expiry and renewal sit on your file with the same reminders as your gas cert.
Recheck when the council changes
Councils can add or expand schemes over time. Kept does not monitor designations automatically, so revisit the official council guidance and update your record when needed.
Straight answers.
How do I know if my property needs a licence?
Kept does not decide this automatically. Check the council's current guidance or designation map against your exact postcode, and check GOV.UK for mandatory HMO licensing. Record the outcome and any licence expiry in Kept.
Does licensing change often?
Yes, more than any other duty on this list - schemes are designated, renewed and expanded by individual councils on their own timetables, sometimes with only a few months' notice. Kept does not monitor those changes automatically.
What if my council has no schemes at all?
That does not remove mandatory HMO licensing where it applies. Confirm the current position with the council, then record any relevant licence details in Kept rather than treating blank fields as proof that no licence is needed.
More duties in Castle Point
Gas Safety Record (CP12)
Renewal tracked from expiry, reminders from 60 days out, proof of service to tenants logged. Knows the 2-month early-renewal rule that keeps your date fixed.
Electrical report (EICR)
Five years goes quicker than you think. Kept remembers so you don't have to - including the 28-day duty to give tenants a copy.
Energy certificate (EPC)
Expiry tracked from the certificate details you confirm - band E is the current minimum for most domestic private lets unless exempt, and proposed changes are flagged only when they become law.
Every other duty is the same everywhere. This one isn't.
Which is exactly why it gets its own page for every council.
Add your first property free