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29 March 2026
Selective licensing is a regulatory tool used by local authorities in England to improve standards in the private rented sector. Rather than applying nationwide, it is introduced in
specific areas where councils believe intervention is necessary to address persistent housing or community issues.
What Is Selective Licensing?
Selective licensing requires private landlords to obtain a licence from the local council before renting out properties within designated areas. The scheme places legal responsibilities on
landlords to ensure their properties meet defined standards and are managed appropriately.
To secure a licence, landlords must typically:
Why Is It Introduced?
Local authorities implement selective licensing schemes to tackle a range of issues associated with poorly managed rental housing. These often include:
Where Does It Apply?
Selective licensing is not uniform across the country. Instead, it applies only in areas designated by individual councils. These areas are chosen based on local evidence and are
subject to approval processes in some cases.
In London, several boroughs operate selective licensing schemes, including Newham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Waltham Forest, Brent, and Haringey. Some of these operate borough-
wide schemes, while others focus on particular neighbourhoods or wards.
Outside London, major cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Nottingham have also introduced selective licensing in targeted areas. In some cases, such as
Nottingham, the scheme has covered most or all of the city.
Key Features of the Scheme
Selective licensing schemes are typically introduced for a limited period, often up to five years. Councils must review their effectiveness before renewing or extending them. As a
result, the areas covered can change over time, with new zones added and others removed. It is also important to distinguish selective licensing from other types of property licensing.
For example:
Checking Whether a Property Is Affected
Because selective licensing operates at a local level, there is no single national register ofaffected properties. Landlords and tenants should check directly with their local authority to
determine whether a property falls within a designated area.
This can usually be done by visiting the council’s website or contacting its housing department. Searching for the relevant borough or city alongside the term “selective licensing” will typically provide the most up-to-date information.
Selective licensing continues to play an important role in shaping the private rental sector in England, offering councils a targeted way to raise housing standards and improve conditions
for tenants in areas that need it most.
specific areas where councils believe intervention is necessary to address persistent housing or community issues.
What Is Selective Licensing?
Selective licensing requires private landlords to obtain a licence from the local council before renting out properties within designated areas. The scheme places legal responsibilities on
landlords to ensure their properties meet defined standards and are managed appropriately.
To secure a licence, landlords must typically:
- Pay a fee for each property they let
- Demonstrate that the property meets safety and maintenance standards
- Show they are a “fit and proper” person to manage rental housing
Why Is It Introduced?
Local authorities implement selective licensing schemes to tackle a range of issues associated with poorly managed rental housing. These often include:
- Substandard or unsafe living conditions
- High levels of anti-social behaviour
- Concentrations of deprivation
- A history of non-compliant or rogue landlords
Where Does It Apply?
Selective licensing is not uniform across the country. Instead, it applies only in areas designated by individual councils. These areas are chosen based on local evidence and are
subject to approval processes in some cases.
In London, several boroughs operate selective licensing schemes, including Newham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Waltham Forest, Brent, and Haringey. Some of these operate borough-
wide schemes, while others focus on particular neighbourhoods or wards.
Outside London, major cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Nottingham have also introduced selective licensing in targeted areas. In some cases, such as
Nottingham, the scheme has covered most or all of the city.
Key Features of the Scheme
Selective licensing schemes are typically introduced for a limited period, often up to five years. Councils must review their effectiveness before renewing or extending them. As a
result, the areas covered can change over time, with new zones added and others removed. It is also important to distinguish selective licensing from other types of property licensing.
For example:
- HMO licensing applies to houses in multiple occupation (shared homes)
- Additional licensing extends HMO requirements beyond the national minimum
Checking Whether a Property Is Affected
Because selective licensing operates at a local level, there is no single national register ofaffected properties. Landlords and tenants should check directly with their local authority to
determine whether a property falls within a designated area.
This can usually be done by visiting the council’s website or contacting its housing department. Searching for the relevant borough or city alongside the term “selective licensing” will typically provide the most up-to-date information.
Selective licensing continues to play an important role in shaping the private rental sector in England, offering councils a targeted way to raise housing standards and improve conditions
for tenants in areas that need it most.