Selective licensing in North East Lincolnshire
Yes. North East Lincolnshire 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 North East Lincolnshire?
Yes. North East Lincolnshire 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 North East Lincolnshire does the scheme cover?
East Marsh ward, Grimsby. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does North East Lincolnshire's scheme end?
The designation runs until 7 April 2031, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£725. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with North East Lincolnshire before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part A | £600 |
| Part B | £400 |
| Total | £725 |
- Late fee £200 after the first six months
- Administered with Home Safe
North East Lincolnshire, read 25 August 2026
What the designation says
North East Lincolnshire operates a selective licensing scheme in the East Marsh ward of Grimsby. The council formally designated it on 8 October 2025, it came into force on 8 April 2026 and it remains in force until 7 April 2031. Selective licensing applies to privately rented homes generally, not only to shared houses, so an ordinary house or flat let to a single household within the designated ward needs a licence. The fee is £1,000 across the five-year period, charged in two parts of £600 and £400, reduced to £725 for accredited landlords. The designation covers one ward rather than the borough, so an address should be checked against it rather than assumed from a Grimsby postcode. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
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 North East Lincolnshire before letting.