Portsmouth landlords reviewing an older report about HMO closures should start with the council's published requirements. A pre-launch warning about landlords' intentions is not evidence that a particular home must close, or that the same outcome applies to every shared property.
The licensing scheme is in place
Portsmouth City Council says its additional licensing arrangements took effect on 1 September 2023, bringing HMOs across the city into licensing alongside the mandatory scheme. The published designation is scheduled to run until 31 August 2028 unless revoked earlier. Check the property's circumstances and any applicable exemptions with the licensing team.
[Read the council's licensing overview](https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/houses-in-multiple-occupation/faqs/about-hmo-licences).
Existing homes need an individual assessment
The council's inspection guidance distinguishes new or enlarged HMOs and increased occupancy from existing homes without changes in size or occupant numbers. It explains that its space and amenity document allows some departure from the standards when officers assess those existing properties. Previous licensing alone does not determine the standard expected.
Where there are concerns, the council describes officers discussing alterations or occupancy with the owner. Any action to reduce occupation must follow lawful procedures. Do not treat a licensing concern as permission to bypass tenants' rights.
[Check the space and inspection guidance](https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/housing/landlords/houses-in-multiple-occupation/faqs/criteria-and-inspection).
Planning is a separate check
Portsmouth's planning guidance says a new HMO needs planning permission as well as a housing licence. These serve different legal purposes. An owner considering a conversion or change of use should check both routes before committing to the project.
[Read the local planning requirements](https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/development-and-planning/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents/planning-houses-in-multiple-occupation/hmo-planning-permission-and-licensing-requirements).
A useful review file includes a measured floor plan, current occupancy details, the licence and conditions, planning records and inspection correspondence. Compare the documents rather than assuming that a bedroom count in a sales advert establishes permitted occupancy.
If anything conflicts, ask the relevant council team to explain the position for the address and keep its response. This creates a firmer basis for budgeting and management than applying a general headline to an individual building.