Which Areas Are Covered?
Liverpool City Council's selective licensing scheme is borough-wide. This means all privately rented properties within the Liverpool boundary need a selective licence, unless they fall under a specific exemption (such as properties already covered by mandatory HMO licensing).
Liverpool operates one of the largest borough-wide selective licensing schemes in England. The council has been operating property licensing since 2015 and renewed its scheme in 2022.
Licence Fees and Costs
| Fee Type | Amount | Per Year (5yr licence) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard licence fee | £550 | £110/year |
| Discounted fee | £440 | £88/year |
The licence fee is per property and covers the full 5-year licence period. This is a one-off cost, not an annual charge. Factor this into your investment calculations alongside other acquisition and compliance costs.
Licence Requirements and Conditions
To obtain and maintain a selective licence, your property must meet the following conditions:
- Valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) displayed to tenant
- Working smoke alarms on every floor
- Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances
- Valid Energy Performance Certificate (minimum E rating)
- Electrical installation check (EICR) within 5 years
- Written tenancy agreement provided to tenant
- Tenant references obtained before granting tenancy
- Property in reasonable state of repair
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Renting a property that requires a selective licence without obtaining one is a criminal offence under Section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. The consequences can be severe:
- Civil penalty: Up to £30,000 per offence (alternative to prosecution)
- Criminal prosecution: Unlimited fine on conviction in magistrates' court
- Rent Repayment Order: Tenants can apply to the First-tier Tribunal to recover up to 12 months' rent
- Section 21 restriction: You cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice while the property is unlicensed
- Management order: The council can apply to take over management of the property
How to Apply
- Check if your property is in a covered area. This is a borough-wide scheme — all privately rented properties in the area need a licence.
- Gather required documents: Gas Safety Certificate, EPC, EICR, proof of landlord identity, tenancy agreement.
- Apply online through Liverpool City Council's licensing portal.
- Pay the licence fee (£550 standard or £440 discounted).
- Await inspection and approval. The council may inspect the property as part of the application process.
Apply on the Liverpool City Council website: liverpool.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/property-licensing/
Exemptions
The following property types are typically exempt from selective licensing:
- Properties already licensed under mandatory or additional HMO licensing
- Properties managed by a registered social landlord
- Properties subject to a temporary exemption notice
- Holiday lets and business premises
Exemptions should be confirmed directly with Liverpool City Council. Do not assume your property is exempt without verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this topic.
Related Pages
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Disclaimer: Selective licensing schemes change frequently. Information on this page is researched as of April 2026 but may not reflect the latest council decisions. Always verify fees, covered areas, and requirements directly with Liverpool City Council before making investment or licensing decisions. This does not constitute legal advice.