Selective Licensing Requirements
Propertymark is reminding landlords of their responsibilities under Selective Licensing schemes as more local authorities across England and Wales continue to implement or expand these regulatory measures. Selective licensing is designed to improve housing standards, ensure safer communities, and provide greater oversight of privately rented properties.
Propertymark urges landlords to familiarise themselves with the rules that apply in their area and to work closely with qualified, regulated letting agents to ensure compliance.
What is Selective Licensing and why does it matter?
Selective Licensing gives local authorities the power to require landlords in designated areas to obtain a licence before letting out a property.
Licensing aims to raise property standards, increase accountability, and support consistent, professional property management.
Failure to comply can result in civil penalties of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order, or criminal prosecution, making it essential for landlords to understand and meet their obligations.
When do landlords need to apply?
Landlords must apply for a licence as soon as their property falls within a designated selective licensing area. Each local authority sets its own start dates, application deadlines, and renewal cycles, and these can vary considerably.
Landlords should check:
- Whether their postcode is included in a designated area
- The date the scheme takes effect
- How long the licence lasts (usually up to five years)
- Whether any exemptions apply
Propertymark encourages landlords to register for local authority alerts to stay informed of consultations, changes, or new scheme implementations.
How to apply for a Selective Licence
Although processes differ between councils, applications usually require:
- A complete licence application form (online through the local authority’s website)
- Proof of identity and ownership
- Safety documentation, such as:
– Gas Safety Certificates
– Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
– Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
– Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm compliance - A management plan, if required
- Payment of the licensing fee (in one or two stages, depending on the authority)
Licences may include specific conditions. These can include minimum security requirements, tenancy management obligations, property maintenance schedules, and evidence of appropriate handling of antisocial behaviour.
What research should landlords do?
Before letting a property, or renewing a tenancy, Propertymark advises landlords to:
- Confirm whether the property is in a licensing area.
- Check for additional licensing schemes, including HMO or additional licensing.
- Assess the financial implications, including fees and compliance upgrades.
- Review conditions associated with the licence.
- Understand the penalties for late or non-application.
- Consult professional advice from regulated agents or legal specialists.
Proactive research protects landlords from accidental breaches that can have serious financial and legal consequences.
If your letting agent has offered Selective Licensing support
Many letting agents now offer selective licensing as an additional service, but landlords should ensure:
- The agent is Propertymark Protected and regulated.
- The service includes full preparation and submission of the licence application.
- The agent will manage ongoing compliance, not just the initial application.
- Any additional costs are transparent and formally agreed.
- You remain aware that as the landlord, you are ultimately responsible, even when an agent submits the application on your behalf.
Propertymark stresses that engaging a qualified letting agent can significantly reduce the administrative burden and ensure that all documentation meets local authority requirements.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments:
“We believe that licensing is not the best method when looking to improve housing stock within the private rented sector. Instead of this, authorities should adopt a collaborative approach, building better relationships with letting agents, landlords, professional bodies, and public services to tackle issues within the sector.
“However, Selective Licensing is becoming increasingly common, and landlords must stay ahead of their responsibilities. Failure to comply can have serious consequences, but with the right guidance and the support of a professional, regulated letting agent, landlords can navigate the process smoothly and confidently.
“Propertymark encourages all landlords to undertake due diligence and seek qualified advice whenever licensing schemes are introduced or updated in their area.”
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