Compliance Directory

Selective Licensing Directory

15 UK councils with active selective licensing schemes for private landlords. Check if your investment area requires a licence, what it costs, and what you need to comply.

15Active schemes
£601Average licence fee
£30,000Max penalty per offence
CouncilRegionCoverageFeeScheme Ends
LiverpoolNorth WestBorough-wide£550Mar 2027
ManchesterNorth West15 wards£850May 2027
City of SalfordNorth WestBorough-wide£775Oct 2027
London Borough of NewhamLondonBorough-wide£650Feb 2028
City of Bradford Metropolitan DistrictYorkshire and the Humber6 wards£600Jan 2028
NottinghamEast MidlandsBorough-wide£590Jan 2029
BirminghamWest Midlands12 wards£700Jun 2029
LeedsYorkshire and the Humber6 wards£625Jan 2029
Burnley BoroughNorth West7 wards£500Jun 2027
MiddlesbroughNorth East6 wards£535Mar 2028
BlackpoolNorth West7 wards£550Jan 2027
City of DoncasterYorkshire and the Humber4 wards£525Jun 2028
City of WolverhamptonWest Midlands7 wards£575Feb 2028
SunderlandNorth East6 wards£500Jan 2028
Stoke-on-TrentWest Midlands6 wards£490Sept 2028

Schemes by Region

What Is Selective Licensing?

Selective licensing is a scheme under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 that allows local councils to require all private landlords in a designated area to obtain a licence for their rental properties. Unlike mandatory HMO licensing (which applies only to larger shared houses), selective licensing can cover all privately rented properties in the designated area.

Councils introduce selective licensing to address issues such as poor property conditions, antisocial behaviour, low housing demand, high crime, or high levels of deprivation in areas with significant private rented stock.

Schemes last up to 5 years and can be borough-wide (covering every PRS property in the council area) or ward-specific (covering only designated neighbourhoods). Borough-wide schemes require Secretary of State approval.

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Disclaimer: This directory is for informational purposes. Selective licensing schemes change frequently — councils introduce, renew, and expire schemes regularly. Always verify directly with the relevant council before making licensing or investment decisions.