Selective licensing in East Staffordshire
Yes. East Staffordshire 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.
Common questions
Do I need a selective licence in East Staffordshire?
Yes. East Staffordshire 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.
When does East Staffordshire's scheme end?
The designation runs until 11 September 2027, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£466. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with East Staffordshire before budgeting.
One payment.
- Renewal £300
- Discounts: £50 accredited landlord, £100 introductory for complete applications within the required six-week window, £50 multi-property from the second property
East Staffordshire, read 24 August 2026
What the designation says
IN FORCE. Street-based s.80 designation in Burton-upon-Trent (first-party research 18 Aug 2026). The council's own dedicated Selective Licensing Scheme page states "The Council's Selective Licensing Scheme requires all landlords who privately rent out properties within the designated areas to obtain a licence from the council" and "The scheme came into effect on 12 September 2022 and will end on 11 September 2027." The council's news release names the designated streets: Blackpool Street, Branston Road, Broadway Street, Goodman Street, King Street, Queen Street, Shobnall Street, Uxbridge Street and Waterloo Street, and states "The designation will come into force on 12th September 2022 and will have effect until 11th September 2027" covering "approximately 750 private rented homes within Burton upon Trent, where we receive the highest amount of housing disrepair complaints". A previous selective scheme preceded this one and some streets carry over. Fees: new single property GBP 507, non-mandatory HMO GBP 620, renewal GBP 327, with accredited landlord, introductory and multiple property discounts of GBP 50 to GBP 100. Enforcement is active (2024 appeal upheld on fixed penalty notices).
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 East Staffordshire before letting.