TV Licensing

Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of TV. It covers you for:

• All TV channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave and international channels
• Pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media and BT
• Live TV on streaming services, like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video
• Everything on BBC iPlayer.

This includes recording and downloading. On any device.

A TV Licence costs £169.50.

Find out about different ways to pay.

Need more help or advice? See our frequently asked questions below.
 

Who is responsible for the TV Licence in a rented or shared living property?

It is always the tenants’ responsibility unless the tenancy agreement states that the landlord is responsible.

If you live in a shared flat, house or other kind of property, it may also depend on whether there is a joint tenancy agreement or not. If each tenant has their own tenancy agreement, they would each need a TV Licence for their room.
 

Do I need a TV Licence in a shared house?

The TV Licence rules for shared houses and accomodation will usually depend on the type of tenancy agreement.

Shared property joint tenancy

If you've signed a joint tenancy agreement with your housemates, you will only need one TV Licence. This will act as a communal TV Licence that covers all the devices in your shared accomodation.

However, there may be other reasons why you need still need your own TV Licence, such as whether or not you have exclusive access to a toilet or washing facilities.

Unsure whether this applies to you? Please contact us to find out more information.

You may risk prosecution and a fine if you don't have a TV Licence, plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.

Shared property multiple tenancies

If you've signed a separate tenancy agreement and watch TV in your room, you'll need your own licence. This TV Licence will also cover communal areas, like a lounge or kitchen.

Pay for a TV Licence.

When do I need my own TV Licence?

You need your own TV Licence if:

• You live in self-contained accommodation, such as a separate flat or annex
• You have a separate tenancy agreement for your room

This TV Licence will also cover communal areas.
 

When don't I need a TV Licence?

You don't need a TV Licence if you’re a lodger and have a relationship with the homeowner who has a valid licence – for example, a family member, common law partner, a nanny, au pair or housekeeper.

You’re covered by the homeowner’s TV Licence if they have one, but only if you live in the same building, like a shared flat or house. If you live in self-contained accommodation, such as a separate flat or annex, you need your own separate licence.

IUnsure whether this applies to you? Please contact us to find out more information.

If you don't not watch TV channels on any TV service, watch live TV on streaming services, or use BBC iPlayer* (this includes recording and downloading, on any device), you don't need a licence.

If you’re sure you don’t need a licence, please let us know.

What if I’m a residential landlord?

Your property needs to be covered by a TV Licence. See our residential landlord page for more information.

Any other questions?

Find out how to change your address.

Find out how to apply for a refund or cancel your TV Licence.

Find out about TV Licenses for second homes.