Property Licence Checker

Disclaimer

Last updated: March 2026

This site provides general information only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a definitive answer to whether a specific property requires a licence.

About our data

The licensing scheme information on this site is compiled from publicly available sources, primarily local authority websites, government guidance, and open data published under the Open Government Licence. Our data is manually researched and maintained.

We currently cover a subset of the approximately 296 local authorities in England. Coverage is being expanded over time. Councils not yet in our database may still operate licensing schemes.

Accuracy and completeness

While we take care to ensure information is accurate at the time of research, we cannot guarantee completeness or continued accuracy. Licensing schemes may be introduced, modified, extended, or discontinued by councils at any time, sometimes with limited public notice.

Scheme boundaries, fees, exemptions, and application requirements may change. The information shown on this site may not reflect the most recent changes.

Postcode checker limitations

Our postcode checker uses the ONS National Statistics Postcode Lookup to map postcodes to electoral wards and local authority areas. For ward-based licensing schemes, we match the ward of the postcode against known scheme boundaries.

This approach is generally accurate but has limitations. Some schemes use street-level or custom boundaries that do not align exactly with ward boundaries. A result showing “likely needs a licence” means the postcode falls within an area where a scheme is known to operate — it is not a definitive determination.

Always verify with your council

Before making any decisions about licensing, compliance, or property investment, you should always check directly with the relevant local authority. We provide links to official council pages wherever possible to help you do this.

Not a substitute for professional advice

This site is not a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor, licensing consultant, or other professional. If you are unsure about your obligations, seek professional guidance.

Report an error

If you believe any information on this site is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know at corrections@propertylicencechecker.co.uk. We will review and update the data as soon as possible.