Selective licensing in Burnley
Yes. Burnley operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need a selective licence in Burnley?
Yes. Burnley operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Burnley does the scheme cover?
2025 scheme areas: Trinity, Daneshouse, Gannow, Queensgate, Padiham. A separate earlier designation covering Bank Hall, Rosehill with Burnley Wood and Trinity ran 21 July 2022 to 20 July 2027. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Burnley's scheme end?
The designation runs until 26 April 2030, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£750 for an online application. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Burnley before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part A | £370 |
| Part B | £345 |
| Total | £750 |
- Discounts for early applications and for members of the Good Landlord and Agent Scheme
Burnley — burnley.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
What the designation says
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.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Burnley before letting.