As of 16 May 2023 the Council’s current additional licensing scheme (ASL) for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and certain converted blocks of self-contained flats (commonly known as s257 HMOs) will come to an end.

The objective of Bedford’s ASL has been to improve the physical standards, fire safety and management as well as ensuring landlords take responsibility for addressing anti-social behaviour and issues regarding refuse, noise and nuisance.

In anticipation of the scheme's end date, the Council is now considering its position and whether it will be appropriate to renew or amend the existing scheme for a further 5 years, or extend it to include a wider demographic of the private rental sector, such as through Selective Licensing.

Before making any designation the Council must take reasonable steps to undertake public consultation and consider any representations made.

How to have your say

Before participating in the online survey we would like to invite you to read the HMO property licensing consultation document.

This online survey is designed to seek your views and help the Council in its decision making process.

You can have your say by completing the online survey:

HMO property licensing online survey  

What happens next

The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks.

Once the consultation has ended we will carefully consider all of the responses received before presenting a final report of recommendations and consultation findings for consideration by the Council's Committee in early 2023.