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17/12/25 3:30 pm
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Leicester's selective licensing scheme continues to impact thousands of rental properties across the city, with landlords and agents required to navigate complex application processes and substantial fees. Understanding the requirements can help property professionals avoid penalties and maintain compliant operations.
Leicester City Council introduced its selective licensing scheme on 10 October 2022, targeting three designated areas of the city. The scheme covers parts of Westcotes, Fosse, Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields wards, with additional areas including Stoneygate and part of the Saffron ward, impacting 8,853 properties in total.
At the time of implementation, the council set the licence fee at £1,090 per property, which was noted as the highest fee in the Midlands. The scheme offered several discount opportunities, including 10% reductions for properties with EPC ratings of C or higher and early applications within the first six months of the launch date.
The original reporting indicated that late applications after 10 April 2025 would incur a £200 penalty, though council documentation suggests discount periods ended on 9 April 2024.
Selective licensing places mandatory requirements on all private rental properties within designated areas. The scheme aims to improve property standards and protect tenants from substandard accommodation.
Key compliance requirements include:
Financial implications are significant:
Check if your property requires licensing:
Use Leicester City Council's interactive mapping tool to determine if your property falls within designated areas. Properties in parts of Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields, Fosse, Westcotes, Stoneygate, and Saffron wards require licensing.
Complete the fit and proper person assessment:
All licence holders and property managers must complete Leicester's online fit and proper person declaration. This assessment remains valid for three months and covers criminal history, financial standing, and property management competency.
Gather required documentation:
Submit your application online:
Applications must be completed through Leicester City Council's MyAccount portal. The process requires Part A fee payment (£1,032) upon submission, with Part B fees (£258) due before licence issuance.
Prepare for property inspection:
Council officers will inspect properties to check for Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Properties must meet safety standards before licence approval.
The scheme runs for five years from 10 October 2022, with all licences expiring on 9 October 2027. Applications submitted after 9 April 2024 are not backdated to the scheme start date but run from the application submission date.
Important timeline considerations:
EMPO, representing landlords across the East Midlands, has consistently argued that selective licensing schemes fail to address their stated objectives. Business development manager Giles Inman told LandlordZONE at the time: "Our experience shows discretionary licensing schemes, without exception, deliver increased rents as landlords pass on the cost of licensing to tenants."
He added: "With the cost-of-living crisis and the change in the energy price cap, the merits of implementing an expensive licensing scheme at this time will surely raise some eyebrows."
Leicester's Assistant City Mayor for Housing, Councillor Elly Cutkelvin, defended the scheme, stating: "We are committed to working with and supporting landlords and tenants to improve the quality of private-sector rented housing in the city and protecting the most vulnerable people by checking their housing and their landlords meet a higher standard in terms of management and safety."
Read more at Leicester selective licensing scheme.
Operating without a required licence constitutes a criminal offence under Section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. Penalties include:
Leicester City Council offers drop-in advice sessions for landlords needing application assistance. Sessions are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2.45pm by appointment through selectivelicensing@leicester.gov.uk.
For comprehensive landlord insurance protection, including coverage for licensing compliance issues, Total Landlord offers NRLA-recommended policies starting from £139. Their comprehensive coverage helps protect against the financial risks associated with regulatory compliance challenges.
Properties housing five or more people as two or more households require mandatory HMO licences, not selective licensing. However, smaller HMOs (2–4 people sharing) within designated areas need selective licences.
Yes, you can continue renting your property normally while a valid application is being processed, provided you have submitted all required documentation and fees.
No refund is available if you sell the property after submitting a valid application. The licence requirement transfers with the property ownership.
Certain tenancy types are exempt, including some social housing and properties under specific lease arrangements. Check the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 for full details.
The current fee is £1,290, split into Part A (£1,032 payable on application) and Part B (£258 payable before licence issuance). All discount periods ended on 9 April 2024.
The scheme covers parts of Westcotes, Fosse, Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields, Stoneygate, and Saffron wards. Use Leicester City Council's interactive map to check if your property is affected.
All licences expire on 9 October 2027, regardless of when they were issued. The scheme runs for five years from its 10 October 2022 start date.
You need gas safety records, EICR, EPC, fire risk assessment, floor plans, tenancy agreements, and proof of ownership. You must also complete a fit and proper person declaration.
Yes, operating without a required licence can result in unlimited court fines or civil penalties up to £30,000. You also cannot serve Section 21 notices on unlicensed properties.
Processing times vary depending on application volume and property inspection requirements. You can continue renting while a valid application is processed.
Refusal can occur due to failing fit and proper person checks, unsuitable management arrangements or Category 1 hazards. You have 15 days to make representations and 28 days to appeal.
Yes, each property requires its own licence application and fee, even if you own multiple properties in the designated areas.
Yes, agents can submit applications for landlords, but they need access to all required documentation and must be named appropriately in the application.
Licence holders must maintain property standards, manage tenancies appropriately, deal with anti-social behaviour, and notify the council of any changes to property use or management arrangements.
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