Property Licensing Check
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Council websiteLandlord licensing in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Yorkshire and the Humber
We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.
Licensing scorecard
Enhanced coverageOur current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.
Selective licensing
Active selectiveAdditional HMO licensing
No active additional scheme shownMandatory HMO licensing
Applies across England- Source confidence
- High
- Boundary confidence
- Low
- Public register
- Clear searchable register (1/5)
- Last reviewed
- 27 March 2026
- Next review due
- Not scheduled
- Sources recorded
- 17
Our current data is a research summary, not a legal record. This should be verified with the council before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action. Mandatory HMO licensing may still apply even where no local additional or selective scheme is recorded.
Recommended next step
Verify the position with the official council source
Our current data shows an active local scheme and a clear area match. The fastest reliable next step is to confirm the current fees, dates, boundaries, and exemptions on the official council source before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action.
What still adds uncertainty
- At least one scheme uses street or custom-area boundaries, so a postcode match can only be approximate.
- Mandatory HMO licensing can apply based on occupancy and households, which cannot be confirmed from a postcode alone.
Buying, refinancing, or completing conveyancing? A due diligence report pulls the licensing position together with the official routes so the risk is documented before you commit. This is an information service and is not legal advice.
Verify with the council
Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
Council updates
Get updates for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
We will email you if Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.
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If you need more than the council page
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.
Licensing Due Diligence Report
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A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.
Request the reportAlerts and monitoring
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A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.
See alerts and monitoringThese are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.
Check a postcode in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.
Local licensing scheme records
Selective LicensingActive
Selective Licensing 2026 to 2031
Six designated areas within Rotherham Borough where all privately rented residential properties (not already licensed as HMOs) are required to be licensed
- Licence fee
- £975
- Fee guide
- Standard licence fee is £975 made up of a non-refundable Part 1 (Administrative) charge of £276 paid with the application, and a Part 2 (Maintenance) charge of £699 paid on grant of licence. Where a fully completed application is not received within 90 days of a property becoming licensable, Part 1 increases to £476 and Part 2 to £849 (total £1,325). A 12-month Direct Debit payment option is available for the maintenance charge (within the first 3 years of the scheme) for a one-off £22 administrative fee. Pro-rata maintenance charges apply to properties becoming licensable for the first time during the scheme. No refunds if the scheme is closed early. Three main discount categories: (1) 37% discount on maintenance charge for landlords who received a 'better management rebate' in the 2020-2025 scheme and apply under the same name - total fee £717; (2) 5% discount on maintenance charge for fully completed applications submitted within 90 days - total fee £941; (3) Multi-unit discounts: one full maintenance charge plus 35% for each additional flat in the same building; portfolio owners pay full charges on 3 properties then 35% of administrative fees for additional properties.
- Discount available
- Three main discount categories: (1) 37% discount on maintenance charge for landlords who received a 'better management rebate' in the 2020-2025 scheme and apply under the same name - total fee £717; (2) 5% discount on maintenance charge for fully completed applications submitted within 90 days - total fee £941; (3) Multi-unit discounts: one full maintenance charge plus 35% for each additional flat in the same building; portfolio owners pay full charges on 3 properties then 35% of administrative fees for additional properties.
- Designation date
- 14 November 2025
- Scheme period
- 15 February 2026 - 14 February 2031
- Typical licence term
- From date of issue to 14 February 2031 (pro-rata for new properties becoming licensable mid-scheme)
- Coverage
- See council website for boundaries
Research notes
Designation made on 14 November 2025; came into effect 15 February 2026. Does not require Secretary of State confirmation as made under General Approval 2024. Maltby was included in the 2020-2025 scheme but excluded from this scheme following significant improvements observed. Brinsworth is a new area added compared to the 2020-2025 scheme. Applications incomplete after 4 weeks from notification of deficiency will be rejected and require full re-payment. Rebates of the maintenance charge are available pro-rata if a licence is surrendered within one calendar month of a qualifying property change. Property types covered: All privately rented residential properties within the designated areas that are not already licensed as HMOs under mandatory or additional HMO licensing. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties already licensed as HMOs under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 Properties occupied only by students on full-time further or higher education courses where the managing person is the educational establishment Tenancies granted for more than 21 years without a landlord break clause Properties where the tenant is a member of the landlord's family (as defined in Housing Act 2004) and the property is the occupier's main residence Properties subject to a Temporary Exemption Notice where steps are being taken to ensure the property will not require a licence (e.g. agreed sale to an owner-occupier).
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Selective LicensingExpired
Selective Licensing 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2025
Six designated areas within Rotherham Borough for the 2020-2025 period
- Licence fee
- £521
- Fee guide
- Licence fee was £521 per property for the five-year scheme. Landlords maintaining high standards received a 28% rebate on fees. 127 rebates approved by scheme end.
- Designation date
- 31 January 2020
- Scheme period
- 1 May 2020 - 30 April 2025
- Coverage
- See council website for boundaries
Research notes
Scheme ended 30 April 2025. No new applications accepted from 1 May 2025. The scheme issued 2,063 licences with 24 awaiting payment and 55 properties exempt. 346 inspections completed. 148 Category 1 hazards and 622 Category 2 hazards identified. 832 notices issued (including 366 statutory nuisance notices and 259 community protection notices). Total licence fee income: £1,161,093; total scheme cost: £1,294,898. Maltby showed highest rate of rebate approvals. The scheme was the second period of selective licensing in Rotherham, following an earlier 2015-2020 scheme. Over 2 schemes (2015-2020 and 2020-2025) combined, over 2,300 properties were inspected, approximately 8,000 hazards addressed, and 155 Emergency Prohibition Notices issued. Property types covered: All privately rented residential properties within the designated areas not already licensed as HMOs.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Selective LicensingExpired
Selective Licensing 2015 to 2020
- Scheme period
- 1 January 2015 - 1 January 2020
- Coverage
- Borough-wide
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Public licensing register
Councils must keep a public register of licensed properties. How easy it is to use varies a lot between councils.
- Public register found
- Yes
- Search method
- Search online
- Register usability
- Clear searchable register (1/5)
Register appears to cover
HMOSelective
Appears to cover HMO and selective licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.
Register notes
A directory of selective licensing areas is available on the council website. Individual licensed properties may be searchable via the directory.
The council register and official source pages should be treated as the source of truth. Our summary is a guide to help you find and use them, not a substitute for the live register. How public registers work.
Research summary
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 (82/100)
Sources checked
17
Research notes
Key data points confirmed from multiple official Rotherham Council web pages. The 2026-2031 selective licensing scheme start date, designated areas, full fee structure (Part 1/Part 2 breakdown), discounts, and application URL were all confirmed from the official council application page. Mandatory HMO fees confirmed from official council fees page. Historical 2020-2025 scheme details confirmed from multiple official and third-party sources. The NRLA and Kamma sources were used to cross-check but all primary data sourced from rotherham.gov.uk.
Council contact details
- Phone
- 01709 822620
- Address
- Community Protection Unit, Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham, S60 1AE
Important to verify
- Exact effective date of current mandatory HMO licence fee schedule (not published on council website)
- Exact start date and designated areas for the 2015-2020 selective licensing scheme
- Full street-level boundaries for each of the six 2026-2031 selective licensing designated areas
- Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.
Supporting sources
- https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/private-housing/selective-licensing-2026-2031
- https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/private-housing/selective-licensing-2026-2031/2
- https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/private-housing/selective-licensing-2026-2031/4
- https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/housing/licensing-houses-multiple-occupation
- https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/private-housing/licensing-houses-multiple-occupation/6
- https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/consultation-feedback/selective-licencing-consultation-2025-2030
Mandatory HMO licensing
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 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
Not sure whether the rules apply? Use the HMO licence checker to check whether a property may need an HMO licence, then verify the current position with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
Council-specific HMO detail we currently show
Borough-wide mandatory licensing for all HMOs meeting the national mandatory licensing criteria
- HMO fee guide
- £929
- Fee notes
- New application total is £929 (Part 1 application fee £266 + Part 2 maintenance fee £663). Renewal total is £805 (renewal application fee £237 + renewal maintenance fee £568). Late application penalty fee of £411 is additional and non-refundable. Fees payable via Civica Pay online. Fee effective date not published on council website.
- Typical licence term
- Up to 5 years
- Start date shown
- 1 April 2006
Mandatory HMO licensing has been in place nationally since April 2006. The definition was extended from October 2018 to cover HMOs regardless of the number of storeys (previously only applied to HMOs of 3 or more storeys). The council charges fees to cover administrative costs. Licence variations (e.g. changing number of occupants, transferring ownership) are processed under Section 69 of the Housing Act 2004. Where a managing agent changes but the licence holder remains the same, a Change of Management Declaration may be submitted instead of a new application. The council can issue Temporary Exemption Notices. Operating an unlicensed HMO is a criminal offence. Property types covered: Properties occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share facilities (kitchen, bathroom, toilet), regardless of the number of storeys. Includes: shared houses occupied by 5+ residents from multiple households; converted buildings with 5+ residents sharing amenities; purpose-built flat blocks of up to 2 flats where at least one is occupied by 5+ people from multiple households. Exemptions or exclusions: Properties managed by local housing authorities Registered social housing providers Properties subject to management orders Properties with fewer than 5 occupants Properties with only one household.
Other compliance requirements
In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
- EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
- Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
- Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts
Common questions about licensing in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
- Do I need a landlord licence in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council?
- Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council currently operates selective licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
- How much does a property licence cost in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council?
- Based on our current data, licence fees in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council are approximately: Mandatory HMO Licensing: £929; Selective Licensing 2026 to 2031: £975; Selective Licensing 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2025: £521. Fees can vary and may include discounts for early applications. Always check the latest fees on the council website before applying.
- Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council?
- Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
- What happens if I rent without a licence in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council?
- Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.
Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you
Use these routes to move from the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough 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.