Property Licence Checker

What is selective licensing?

Selective licensing is a scheme under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 that allows local councils in England to require all private landlords in a designated area to obtain a licence — regardless of whether the property is an HMO or a single-let.

When does selective licensing apply?

A council can designate a selective licensing area if it is experiencing one or more of the following conditions:

  • Low housing demand
  • Significant and persistent anti-social behaviour
  • Poor property conditions
  • High levels of migration
  • High levels of deprivation
  • High crime levels

Schemes covering more than 20% of a council's geographic area or 20% of its privately rented properties require confirmation from the Secretary of State.

What does it cost?

Licence fees vary by council but typically range from £450 to £1,000 per property. Licences last for up to 5 years. Many councils offer early bird discounts of 10-30% if you apply within the first few months of a new scheme.

What happens if I don't get a licence?

Operating without a required licence is a criminal offence. Penalties include:

  • Civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence
  • Criminal prosecution with an unlimited fine
  • Rent Repayment Order (RRO)— tenants can claim back up to 12 months' rent through the First-tier Tribunal
  • Section 21 restriction — you cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice on an unlicensed property

How do I check if my property needs a selective licence?

Use our free postcode checker to find out instantly if your property is in a selective licensing area. You can also browse our council directory to see which councils operate schemes.

How many councils have selective licensing?

As of 2026, approximately 70-90 councils in England operate active selective licensing schemes. The number has grown significantly since the Housing Act 2004, particularly after the criteria were expanded in 2015.

Notable councils with borough-wide or city-wide schemes include Newham, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Croydon, Nottingham, and Salford. Many other councils operate schemes covering specific wards or areas.

What conditions come with a selective licence?

Selective licences typically include 20-40 conditions covering:

  • Property management standards
  • Tenant referencing requirements
  • Anti-social behaviour procedures
  • Gas and electrical safety
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Waste management
  • Property condition and maintenance

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.