Selective licensing in Rotherham
Yes. Rotherham 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.
What the designation says
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council operates a NEW Selective Licensing scheme covering SIX designated areas of the borough. Confirmed directly on Rotherham Council's "Selective Licensing 2026 to 2031" webpage. Designation date: 14 November 2025 (made under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 using powers granted by The Housing Act 2004 General Approval 2024). Operative date: 15 February 2026. Expiry: 14 February 2031 (5-year scheme). Designation does NOT require Secretary of State confirmation as the council qualifies under General Approval. The SIX designated areas are: (1) Eastwood / Town Centre / Boston Castle (combined area), (2) Clifton, (3) Masbrough / Kimberworth, (4) Thurcroft, (5) Dinnington / Brinsworth, (6) Parkgate. The previous 2020-2025 scheme included Maltby South East but Maltby has NOT been re-designated in the 2026-2031 scheme. The council's previous selective licensing schemes (2015-2020 and 2020-2025) successfully tackled Category 1 and 2 hazards and reduced anti-social behaviour faster than the borough average (94.2% inspection compliance by March 2018, 1,850 inspections completed). Within the designated areas, all private landlords or property managers must obtain a selective licence regardless of HMO status, subject to standard exemptions. Penalties: unlimited fine on conviction, civil penalty up to £30,000 as alternative to prosecution, rent repayment orders, prevention from holding a licence. £210 administrative fee plus £785 maintenance fee = £995 total per property for 5 years (proposed fee structure per Kamma March 2025; Cabinet-approved figures may differ slightly). Apply via Rotherham Council Community Protection Unit.
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 Rotherham before letting.