RenterCheck

Renting in Cambridge

Cambridge City Council · East of England

Local council rules, licensing schemes, and tenant resources for renters in Cambridge.

Licensing Schemes

Active Schemes

Mandatory HMO

HMO Licence Fee

£900 - £1,200

Estimated 14,000 private rented properties in the Cambridge area.

HMO Rules in Cambridge

Cambridge operates mandatory HMO licensing. The council monitors the balance between student and non-student housing. The tech sector and biomedical campus add further rental demand beyond the university population.

Check the HMO Register

View the public HMO register: Cambridge City Council HMO Register

What landlords must do:

  • Obtain the correct licence for the property type
  • Meet minimum room sizes (6.51m2 for one person, 10.22m2 for two)
  • Provide adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities
  • Install and maintain fire safety equipment
  • Keep the property in good repair and free from hazards

Report a Housing Problem

If you are experiencing issues with your rented property in Cambridge, contact the council's environmental health team. They can investigate complaints about damp, mould, disrepair, overcrowding, and other hazards.

Phone

01223 457000

Email

Contact via website

Council Website

www.cambridge.gov.uk

Tenant Advice in Cambridge

Local Advice Line

Cambridge CAB: 01223 222660

Free help is available from:

  • Shelter (national housing charity, free advice line: 0808 800 4444)
  • Citizens Advice (free, confidential advice on housing issues)
  • Your local council's housing advice service

Rental Market in Cambridge

2-Bed Rent

£1,400

/month

Avg Yield

4.2%

Growth (YoY)

4.5%

Demand

Very High

Full Cambridge rental market guide

Your Rights as a Renter

Whether you are renting in Cambridgeor anywhere else in the UK, you have legal protections as a tenant. The Renters' Rights Bill strengthens these protections further.

Check a Property in Cambridge

Enter any postcode to get an instant rental safety report with EPC data, crime stats, flood risk, and more.