Licence Checker England

Register usability data

Council licensing registers compared

Every council must publish a register of the properties it has licensed, but how easy that register is to use varies enormously. We score each one from a clear searchable register through to no clear public route, so you know what to expect before checking a property. This is our own research-based assessment, not an official rating, and the council source remains the source of truth.

Councils scored
140
Clear searchable registers
65

New to registers? Read how public licensing registers work for what they include and how to search one.

1/5 - Clear searchable register

65 councils

2/5 - Register exists but is clunky

9 councils

3/5 - Download only (PDF or file)

39 councils

4/5 - Must email the council

1 council

5/5 - No clear public route found

20 councils

Scores reflect how each register was found at the last review and are a research aid, not an official rating. Councils can change how they publish registers at any time. Always verify a property's licensing position with the official council source before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action.

Related pages

How public registers work

What registers include and how to search one by address.

Check a postcode

Find the council and its register route for a specific property.

Selective licensing areas

Councils operating selective licensing, by region.

Want the register checked for you?

Use the free checker first. A written review or due diligence report can locate and document the register route for a specific property.

Free checker

Free · Live now

Check a postcode, open the council page, and use the guides before paying for anything.

Open the free checker

Property Licensing Check

£29 · Live now

A concise written review for one property, postcode, or council situation based on current public council-source information.

Request the review

Licensing Due Diligence Report

£79 · Coming soon

A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.

See the premium report

These are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.

This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.