Renting in Southampton
Southampton City Council · South East
Local council rules, licensing schemes, and tenant resources for renters in Southampton.
Licensing Schemes
Active Schemes
HMO Licence Fee
£900 - £1,200
Estimated 20,000 private rented properties in the Southampton area.
HMO Rules in Southampton
Southampton has additional HMO licensing and an Article 4 direction in student-heavy areas. The council works with both universities to manage the impact of student housing on residential communities.
Check the HMO Register
View the public HMO register: Southampton 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 Southampton, contact the council's environmental health team. They can investigate complaints about damp, mould, disrepair, overcrowding, and other hazards.
Phone
023 8083 3005
Contact via website
Council Website
www.southampton.gov.ukTenant Advice in Southampton
Local Advice Line
Southampton CAB: 023 8022 1406
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 Southampton
2-Bed Rent
£1,025
/month
Avg Yield
5.5%
Growth (YoY)
5.3%
Demand
High
Your Rights as a Renter
Whether you are renting in Southamptonor anywhere else in the UK, you have legal protections as a tenant. The Renters' Rights Bill strengthens these protections further.
Check a Property in Southampton
Enter any postcode to get an instant rental safety report with EPC data, crime stats, flood risk, and more.