Question 1

What is selective licensing?

Accepted Answer

Selective licensing is a scheme under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 requiring private landlords in a designated council area to hold a licence for each property they let. Unlike mandatory HMO licensing, it applies to ordinary single-household rentals. Councils use it in areas with persistent antisocial behaviour, poor housing conditions, or significant problems caused by some landlords. Schemes run for up to five years.

Question 2

Does my property need a selective licence?

Accepted Answer

Your property needs a selective licence if it is privately rented, in a designated selective licensing zone, not already covered by a mandatory or additional HMO licence, and the tenancy is not otherwise excluded (such as a long lease over seven years).

Question 3

What happens if I rent without a selective licence?

Accepted Answer

Renting without a required selective licence is a criminal offence under the Housing Act 2004. Penalties include an unlimited fine, a civil penalty of up to £30,000, the inability to serve a valid possession notice, and a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months of rent.

Question 4

Do I need a selective licence for an HMO?

Accepted Answer

No. If your property is already subject to mandatory or additional HMO licensing, you do not also need a selective licence. The two schemes are mutually exclusive for any individual property.

Question 5

Which councils have selective licensing schemes?

Accepted Answer

Councils with active schemes include Liverpool, Nottingham, Leeds, Birmingham, Leicester, Bristol, Newcastle, Salford, Bradford, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, County Durham, and many London boroughs including Newham, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster, Brent, Hackney, Islington, Haringey, Waltham Forest, Croydon, Enfield, Hounslow, Redbridge, and Hammersmith and Fulham. Newport and Cardiff in Wales also have schemes.

Question 6

How much does a selective licence cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees range from around £200 to over £1,000 per property. Liverpool charges around £550, Nottingham around £680, Leeds around £500, County Durham around £400, and most London boroughs charge between £600 and £900. Many councils offer discounts for accredited landlords. Licences usually last five years.

UK Selective Licensing Checker: Does Your Property Need a Licence?

Selective Licensing Checker

Selective Licensing Checker

Landlords, check your licensing requirements

Landlords, check your licensing requirements

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