"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"
- Nathan Emerson - Propertymark
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.
Understanding selective licensing
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. This makes it essential for landlords to understand and meet their obligations.
Application timing and requirements
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), and whether any exemptions apply. Propertymark encourages landlords to register for local authority alerts to stay informed of consultations, changes, or new scheme implementations.
The application process
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, and safety documentation. This includes gas safety certificates, electrical installation condition reports (EICR), energy performance certificates (EPC), and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm compliance. Councils may also request a management plan and 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.
Essential research for landlords
Before letting a property, or renewing a tenancy, Propertymark advises landlords to confirm whether the property is in a licensing area and check for additional licensing schemes, including HMO or additional licensing. Landlords should assess the financial implications, including fees and compliance upgrades, review conditions associated with the licence, and understand the penalties for late or non-application.
Consulting professional advice from regulated agents or legal specialists is recommended. Proactive research protects landlords from accidental breaches that can have serious financial and legal consequences.
Working with letting agents
Many letting agents now offer selective licensing as an additional service. However, landlords should ensure the agent is Propertymark Protected and regulated.
The service should include full preparation and submission of the licence application. Landlords should verify that the agent will manage ongoing compliance, not just the initial application, and that 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.
"We believe that licensing is not the best method when looking to improve housing stock within the private rented sector," said Nathan Emerson, chief executive officer of Propertymark (pictured). "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."
