Licence condition works are the jobs a council asks for before or after granting an HMO licence: things like extra detection, fire doors, a second bathroom, kitchen changes or repairs. In Reading, a city of around 300,000 people in Berkshire, the work is planned around the HMO rules for England and the council’s written HMO standards. With students as well as working sharers renting in Reading, we plan bigger jobs for the gap between academic-year tenancies where we can.
- Area
- Berkshire, England
- Postcodes
- RG1, RG4, RG6 and RG30
- Location
- 37 miles west of London
- Council
- Reading Borough Council
- Pricing region
- South East
What does licence condition and schedule-of-works in Reading involve?
- Item-by-item price against the council’s list
- Liaison with you before the council revisits
- Programme set to meet the council deadline
- Fire safety, amenity and repair works
- A completion letter for your licence file
Which rules apply in Reading?
The rules below are the England-wide position for this kind of work. Councils add their own standards and schemes on top, so we always check the address in Reading before we price.
- Licences last up to 5 years and carry conditions on gas and electrical safety, alarms, room sizes and waste.
- Smoke alarms on every storey with living accommodation and CO alarms by fixed combustion appliances (other than gas cookers) are required by law.
- National rules ask for an adequate number of bathrooms, WCs and basins and suitably located kitchens; numeric ratios are set by each council.
- Councils assess hazards, including damp, mould and fire, under the HHSRS; revised regulations and guidance applied from 23 June 2026.
Reading Borough Council: local HMO schemes
| Article 4 (HMO) | In force in part of the council area C3-C4 direction for parts of Park, Redlands and Katesgrove wards (from 2012, extended 2017) plus Jesse Terrace (made Jan 2016). |
|---|---|
| Additional licensing | In force across the council area Borough-wide additional HMO licensing commenced 1 Mar 2026 (five-year maximum). |
| Selective licensing | Proposed Selective licensing planned for Battle ward first, then Park and Redlands at 12-14 month intervals; not yet formally designated. |
Schemes change. Check the council’s current pages for the exact address in Reading before you buy or start work. Source: Reading Borough Council HMO licensing page, checked 2026-10-31.
How much does licence condition and schedule-of-works cost in Reading?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical allowance for minor amenity and repair items on a council list (our estimate) | £1,500 – £5,000 | £1,700 – £5,600 | house |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | £900 – £2,250 | house |
| FD30S fire door leaf into an existing frame, with seals, closer and hinges, fitted | £300 – £600 | £340 – £670 | door |
| EICR, 5+ bedroom house | £150 – £400 | £170 – £450 | inspection |
Use these as a starting point for budgeting. Access, condition and the council’s requirements in Reading can move the figure either way, which is why we quote after seeing the house.
How long does it take?
Typical time on site: Set by the council’s deadline. We agree the programme with you before starting and send photo updates as the work progresses.
For student houses in Reading, booking by spring is the safest way to make the summer gap.
When do Reading landlords need it?
Landlords in Reading most often ask us for this when:
- An inspection letter or schedule of works
- A licence granted with conditions
Questions about licence condition and schedule-of-works in Reading
Can you meet a council deadline?
In most cases, yes, if we see the list early. Send it to us as soon as you get it and we will tell you straight away if a deadline looks tight.
Which postcodes in Reading do you work in?
All of them, including RG1, RG4, RG6 and RG30, and the surrounding parts of Berkshire.
Which council covers HMOs in Reading?
Reading is covered by Reading Borough Council. We read the council’s written HMO standards before pricing, and you should check the licence position for the exact address.
How much does licence condition and schedule-of-works cost in Reading?
Our guide ranges for South East are in the table on this page, and the guide-price tool gives a figure for your house. A fixed written quote follows a free site visit.
Licence condition and schedule-of-works near Reading
- Lower Earley · 3 mi
- Wokingham · 7 mi
- Crowthorne · 10 mi
- Yateley · 10 mi
- Bracknell · 10 mi
- Sandhurst · 11 mi
- All of Berkshire