Providing a television and arranging a TV Licence are different decisions. Before describing an HMO room as including television services, check what is actually supplied, what the tenancy promises and which viewing activities require a licence. This article was reviewed on 16 October 2026; its original archive publication date is retained.
Start with the agreement
TV Licensing says the tenant is normally responsible for the licence unless the tenancy agreement makes the landlord responsible. Its shared-property guidance distinguishes a joint tenancy from separate agreements for individual rooms. A joint tenancy can be covered by one licence for the property, while tenants with separate agreements may need their own licences for qualifying viewing in their rooms.
Do not assume that a television in the shared lounge settles every resident's position. Ask TV Licensing to confirm how the actual layout, agreements and viewing arrangements affect coverage if the answer is unclear. A label such as HMO does not replace that check.
Describe what the rent includes
Prepare a short inventory stating which equipment belongs to the landlord and where it is located. Keep subscription services, broadband, equipment and licensing as separate items in the information provided to residents. Avoid the phrase television included if it leaves people unsure whether it means a screen, a subscription or a licence.
If the landlord agrees to arrange a licence, record who will renew it and how the relevant documents will be kept. If responsibility sits with residents, make that clear before they commit, rather than relying on a conversation after moving day.
Review changes rather than making assumptions
A replacement tenant, a different agreement or a change in how rooms are occupied is a useful point to revisit the arrangements. Give residents the official TV Licensing information so they can check their own circumstances directly.
For the practical decision about supplying a television, compare the purchase cost, repair arrangements and residents' preferences. Keep that amenity decision separate from any claim about legal coverage. The safest description is a precise account of what is provided, supported by clear records and current official guidance.