North West · Council licensing
Burnley operates discretionary property licensing. Letting an unlicensed property where a scheme applies risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000 and a rent repayment order — check whether your property is covered below.
Required for any HMO let to 5 or more people forming 2+ households who share facilities. Check the council for the current fee.
Five selective licensing designation areas in force, designated by Burnley Council on 27 January 2025 following 12-week consultation (72% of residents and 10% of landlords in favour). Schemes commenced 27 April 2025 and end 26 April 2030. Covers approximately 3,700 properties across the borough. Schemes designated under new general approval (effective 23 December 2024) which removed the requirement for Secretary of State approval. Lyndhurst Road area being monitored over 24 months for potential future inclusion. Burnley has operated selective licensing since October 2008.
Scheme runs until: 26 April 2030
No additional licensing scheme is currently in force.
Source: Burnley licensing page →
A valid Gas Safety certificate (annual), an EICR (every 5 years), a valid EPC, a protected deposit, smoke & CO alarms, the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet, and a current How to Rent guide — plus the new Section 8 possession rules since Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026.
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