⚠️ Section 21 Has Been Abolished — Effective 1 May 2026
As a result of the Renters' Rights Act, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions were abolished on 1 May 2026. Section 21 no longer applies. Landlords must now rely on Section 8 grounds for possession. All existing and new tenancies are affected.
Landlord Licensing
Chester & Cheshire
PDA Law is based in Chester and advises landlords across Chester and Cheshire on all landlord licensing requirements — mandatory HMO licensing, selective licensing, additional licensing, and the new PRS Database. Operating an unlicensed property is a criminal offence carrying unlimited fines.
Landlord Licensing in Chester
Chester landlords may be subject to one or more landlord licensing schemes depending on their property type and location. PDA Law is based in Chester and advises landlords across Chester and Cheshire West on all licensing requirements.
Mandatory HMO Licensing
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Applies to Chester properties occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more separate households. Since October 2018, the 3-storey requirement was removed — mandatory licensing now applies to all qualifying HMOs regardless of the number of storeys.
Applies to: All Chester HMOs with 5+ occupiers in 2+ households
Additional Licensing
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Cheshire West and Chester Council may introduce additional licensing schemes covering smaller HMOs in designated areas. Check with the council whether an additional licensing scheme applies to your Chester property.
Applies to: Smaller HMOs in designated areas only
Selective Licensing
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Cheshire West and Chester Council has introduced selective licensing in certain areas of Chester. If your property is in a designated area, you must obtain a licence regardless of the property type or number of occupiers.
Applies to: All private rented properties in designated areas
PRS Database (Coming)
National — Secretary of State
The Renters' Rights Act 2026 introduces a new mandatory Private Rented Sector Database for all landlords in England. Chester landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties. Commencement date to be confirmed.
Applies to: All private landlords in England
Penalties for Unlicensed Chester Properties
Criminal prosecution
Unlimited fine on conviction in the magistrates' court.
Civil penalty
Up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution.
Rent repayment order
Tenants can reclaim up to 12 months' rent from the First-tier Tribunal.
Rogue Landlord Database
Inclusion on the national database, accessible by local authorities.
How PDA Law Helps Chester Landlords
Areas We Cover from Chester
Chester Landlord Solicitors
Crown Buildings, 121A Saughall Road
Chester CH1 5ET
Get clear advice on landlord licensing requirements for your Chester properties.
Make an Enquiry01244 757 352Related Chester Services
Speak to a Chester Landlord Solicitor
Get clear advice on landlord licensing requirements for your Chester properties from PDA Law's Chester-based solicitors.