If you get a notice about your TV licence
You were sure you didn’t need a TV licence. But maybe you’ve just had a notice telling you that you’re breaking the law by not having one. How did TV Licensing know? Are they correct? Are you likely to be fined? And when are you allowed an exemption? We can give you the answers.
When you need a TV licence
The law says you need a TV licence to watch, record or stream programmes live on any TV channel, and to watch or download any BBC programme. It doesn’t matter whether you do that on a TV, laptop, tablet or any other device. But you may not need a licence if you’re not watching live TV, or if you have no TV. Or maybe the property you’re being told you need a licence for is empty.
How we can help
Our legal experts can tell you how not having a TV licence can be detected, and help you understand whether or not you need one. If you do need a licence, we’ll explain the possible consequences of not having one. And if you’re facing a fine, we’ll talk you through any grounds for appeal. We can also advise on when you might be able to get a refund or an exemption, as well as how to escalate a complaint to the BBC. We’ll:
- listen to what the situation is
- give you clear guidance on your options
- advise you on next steps
Our experts provide advice to members every day on a range of issues. To see if yours is one we cover answer the questions below.
Before we start, we need to check if you have already instructed a solicitor or other legal professional to advise you in this matter.
Why do we need this?
For regulatory reasons we can't advise if you have formally instructed a legal professional for the issue you're seeking advice for. If you have had a free appointment with a professional or an organisation such as Citizen's Advice Bureau, click 'No' I haven't'.
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Ian Hawkins
Ian focuses on providing practical consumer law advice that our members can apply in the most effective way possible.
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Matthew Tribble
Matthew has been qualified since 2013 and in that time has advised on a range of issues from consumer matters to issues with insurance.
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Rebecca Turnbull-Simpson
Rebecca advises on general consumer disputes and litigation but specialises in property disputes, in
particular landlord and tenant and residential leasehold disputes.
