Selective licensing in Leicester
Yes. Leicester 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 Leicester?
Yes. Leicester 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 Leicester does the scheme cover?
Parts of Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields, Fosse, Westcotes, Stoneygate and Saffron wards. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Leicester's scheme end?
The designation runs until 9 October 2027, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£1,290. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Leicester before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part A | £1,032 |
| Part B | £258 |
| Total | £1,290 |
- Discounts ended 9 April 2024
Leicester — leicester.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
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 £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 Leicester before letting.