Selective licensing in Leicester

What the designation says

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.

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.

Leicester's own licensing page →