Selective Licensing
Selective licensing affects thousands of landlords as councils extend schemes to new areas. This hub curates the latest announcements, consultations and confirmed designations across England, plus practical guidance on applications, licence conditions, fit and proper tests, renewals, variations and penalties. We explain how fees are structured, common exemptions, how to prepare evidence of compliance, and what to do if you receive an enforcement notice or civil penalty. Articles are written in plain English and focus on what matters commercially, from budgeting fees and timescales to working with managing agents, HMO overlap, lender considerations and portfolio planning. We also track legal challenges and tribunal decisions where they change the playbook. Bookmark this page and check back for updates. If you have an experience or a question on selective licensing, add a comment under any article and our editorial team or community will try to help.
Rachel Reeves could be forced to repay tenants as Southwark Council leads in licensing fees
Rachel ‘Double Standards’ Reeves rented out family home without a selective licence
Landlord slams selective licensing as cause of Nottingham’s homelessness crisis
Four London councils plan or expand Selective Licensing schemes
Government rejects calls to extend council landlord licensing powers
Council approves major selective licensing scheme
Council’s selective licensing scheme branded ‘nothing but a cash grab’ by landlords and tenants
Sadiq Khan pushes for rent controls under new devolution powers
Landlords warned of fines as selective licensing schemes comes into force
Selective Licensing and looming enforcement notice?
London council takes control of landlord’s 18 homes
Council fines landlords £450,000 for unlicensed rental properties
