East Midlands · Council licensing
Leicester 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.
Leicester City Council operates a selective licensing scheme covering parts of six wards (Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields, Fosse, Westcotes, Stoneygate, Saffron, Spinney Hills). The scheme came into force on 10 October 2022 and runs for 5 years, expiring 9 October 2027. A second related designation came into force on 29 December 2022 covering parts of Fosse, Stoneygate and Westcotes - both designations share the 9 October 2027 expiry. Approximately 8,853 properties are affected. Importantly, the scheme INCLUDES small HMOs (2-4 sharers) within the designated areas - these need a selective licence rather than a HMO licence (HMOs with 5+ occupants require separate mandatory HMO licensing). Licence fee £1,290 (£1,032 Part A on application + £258 Part B on issue). 10% discounts available for EPC C+ properties and applications within 6 months of buying. Discount period for early applications ended 9 April 2024. The scheme was set up under the council's general powers (less than 20% of city geography and less than 20% of PRS) so did not require Secretary of State confirmation.
Areas: Parts of: Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields, Fosse, Westcotes, Stoneygate, Saffron
Scheme runs until: 9 October 2027
No additional licensing scheme is currently in force.
Source: Leicester 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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