North West
We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.
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This page includes the scheme records we currently hold, but council policies and boundaries can change. Treat it as a researched starting point and verify the latest position on the official council pages before acting.
Based on publicly available information, we show the licensing status we currently hold for Blackpool Council, highlight mandatory HMO rules, and link you to official council sources for verification where we currently have them.
Confirm the current scheme boundary, licence fee, exemptions, application route, and any recent policy changes on the council website before making decisions.
Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with Blackpool Council.
We research council licensing information from public sources and present it as general guidance. We do not replace the council's own licensing pages or legal advice.
Council updates
We will email you if Blackpool Council introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.
Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.
Property Licensing Check
Live now
A concise written review for one property, postcode, or council situation based on current public council-source information.
Best for: Best for landlords, agents, and buyers who want written clarity quickly on one case.
Delivery: Concise report by email, usually within 2 working days
Licensing Due Diligence Report
Coming soon
A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.
Best for: Best for buyers, investors, agents, landlords refinancing, and conveyancers handling material decisions.
Delivery: Analyst-reviewed report with stronger risk framing
Alerts and monitoring
Coming soon
A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.
Best for: Best for landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates without building their own tracking process.
Delivery: Monthly monitoring and change alerts
These options are designed to save research time, improve clarity, and support decision-making. Final reliance should still be tied back to the relevant council and, where necessary, professional advice.
Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.
Applies to large Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the entire Blackpool council area. Updated regulations from 1 October 2018 removed the three-storey requirement and included purpose-built flats in blocks with up to two units.
Three statutory tests apply: Standard Test, Self-Contained Flat Test, and Converted Building Test. The three-storey rule was removed from 1 October 2018. Property types covered: Properties occupied by 5 or more persons in 2 or more separate households, where households share basic amenities (toilet, washing facilities, cooking facilities) or units are not fully self-contained. Includes purpose-built flats in blocks with up to 2 units.. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already licensed under selective or additional schemes are transferred at no additional cost..
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Covers all privately rented properties in eight inner wards of Blackpool. Approximately 7,000 privately rented properties in the designated inner area.
Approved by the Secretary of State on 15 November 2024. The scheme is self-financing. 21 mandatory conditions apply to all selective licences. Property types covered: All privately rented properties not covered by mandatory or additional HMO licensing. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties exempted under the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 tenancies granted by registered social landlords under Housing Act 1996 Part 1.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Would apply to other types of HMOs not subject to mandatory licensing - buildings occupied as main residence by 3 or more people forming 2 or more households. Page exists but no active designation confirmed.
Page last modified 26 November 2024. No active designation dates, fees, or designated areas specified on the page, indicating the scheme is not currently in operation. The council's housing licences overview also confirmed additional licensing is not currently in operation. Property types covered: Bedsits and non-self-contained flats, shared houses and hostels, buildings converted into self-contained flats.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.
Last reviewed
27 March 2026
Research confidence
High (90/100)
Sources checked
9
Multiple official council pages successfully scraped with consistent data across sources. Key details including fees, ward coverage, dates, and contact information all confirmed from primary council web pages. The only area of uncertainty is the additional HMO licensing status, which appears not to be in operation based on the absence of active scheme details.
Details of all licences and temporary exemption notices are available to view. Contact housing.licensing@blackpool.gov.uk or 01253 476899 if details are believed incorrect.
Supporting sources
All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from Blackpool Council.
Applies to large Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the entire Blackpool council area. Updated regulations from 1 October 2018 removed the three-storey requirement and included purpose-built flats in blocks with up to two units.
Three statutory tests apply: Standard Test, Self-Contained Flat Test, and Converted Building Test. The three-storey rule was removed from 1 October 2018. Property types covered: Properties occupied by 5 or more persons in 2 or more separate households, where households share basic amenities (toilet, washing facilities, cooking facilities) or units are not fully self-contained. Includes purpose-built flats in blocks with up to 2 units.. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already licensed under selective or additional schemes are transferred at no additional cost..
In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:
Use these routes to move from the Blackpool Council summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.
Landlord with a standard let→
Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.
Shared occupancy or possible HMO→
Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.
Check if a property has an HMO licence→
Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.
Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→
Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.
Letting agent or portfolio manager→
Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.
Understand selective licensing rules→
Read the guide if you want the broader legal background on how selective licensing works alongside this council page.
Need the area-based route→
Use the selective licensing page if the real question is whether a standard rented home sits inside a designated area.
Tenant checking landlord compliance→
Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.
Important disclaimer
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.
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