Selective licensing: do you need a property licence?
How selective licensing schemes work in England, how to find out if your rental is in a licensing area, and what happens if you let without a licence.
By Paul Ashley, Founder of LET NEXUS and landlord since 2015
Last reviewed · 3 min read
Councils in England can introduce selective licensing schemes, which require most privately rented homes in a designated area to be licensed, even if they aren't HMOs.
What you need to know
- Schemes cover specific areas, sometimes a few streets and sometimes a whole borough, and last up to 5 years.
- If your property is in a designated area, you need a licence before you let it.
- Licences come with conditions, such as providing safety certificates and dealing with anti-social behaviour.
- Schemes are local, so the only reliable way to check is your council's website.
If you don't have a licence
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is an offence. Councils can issue civil penalties or prosecute, and tenants can apply for rent repayment orders.
Your checklist
- Check your council's website for selective and additional licensing schemes
- Apply before the property is let
- Diarise the licence expiry and any conditions
- Check again when a scheme ends or a new one is announced
Frequently asked questions
Is selective licensing the same as HMO licensing?
No. HMO licensing applies to shared houses. Selective licensing can apply to any privately rented home in a designated area.
Official guidance
This guide is general information for landlords in England and isn’t legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and can change. Always check the official guidance or take professional advice for your situation.
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