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 £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and the loss of the right to serve a section 21 notice.
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 £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. 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.