Homes and property What is selective licensing?

Background

What is selective licensing? 

Selective licensing is a licence scheme, which requires all private landlords operating within a designated area to license any privately rented property within that area. Selective licensing was introduced within the Housing Act 2004 under Part 3, Section 80.

The period of designation lasts for 5 years and will include ​statutory and general conditions aimed at ensuring licensed properties are safe, meet basic standards and they are managed in a satisfactory way.

See the outcome of previous consultations

To get a licence the landlord or managing agent would have to pay a fee set by us and meet certain standards which affect the way the property is managed.

We may introduce selective licensing in areas where there's one or more of these issues:

  • a low demand for houses – with few people wanting to live there
  • significant and persistent problems with antisocial behaviour
  • houses that are in a poor condition
  • people only renting houses for a short period of time.
  • a lack of basic necessities
  • high levels of crime.

We believe selective licensing would improve the management of privately rented properties and contribute positively to improving neighbourhoods.  In turn this will:

  • make more people want to live in the area
  • make people want to stay in the area for longer
  • cut the length of time houses are empty — increasing the rental income for landlords
  • increase property values as the area improves
  • reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
  • increase the professionalism with which privately rented properties are managed
  • increase the demand for properties, leading to the area becoming a more attractive place to live
  • improve sustainability within the areas

Read conditions the licence holder must comply with

For more information read our private rented sector licensing policy

See what rented homes already have a selective licence

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