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 £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need a selective licence in Rotherham?
Yes. Rotherham 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 Rotherham does the scheme cover?
Town centre / Eastwood / Clifton / Boston Castle, Masbrough / Kimberworth, Thurcroft, Dinnington, Brinsworth, Parkgate. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Rotherham's scheme end?
The designation runs until 14 February 2031, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£521. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Rotherham before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
Rotherham, read 28 August 2026
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 £40,000 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. The £40,000 ceiling applies to offences committed on or after 1 May 2026; the £30,000 ceiling still applies to offences committed before that date.
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 Rotherham before letting.