Many renters in England wonder how local licensing schemes for privately rented homes change their day-to-day rights. This guide explains, in plain language, what selective and additional licensing mean for tenants, how schemes aim to improve safety and standards, and what practical steps renters can take if a landlord is unlicensed or failing to maintain a property. You will find clear actions for reporting issues, protecting your deposit and understanding possible outcomes such as rent repayment orders or council enforcement. If you are dealing with repairs, rent increases, inspection visits or eviction notices, the next sections tell you what to expect and how to act to protect your tenancy.
What selective and additional licensing are
Selective licensing lets a local council require landlords of privately rented properties in a defined area to hold a licence. Additional licensing targets houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) outside mandatory HMO licensing. Councils set conditions linked to safety, management and property standards so tenants should see better repairs and oversight where schemes operate.[1]
How licensing directly affects tenants
Tenants usually benefit when councils enforce licence conditions: repairs and management should improve, and landlords must provide accurate contact and safety information. However, some tenants worry that landlords may try to pass on costs or become less willing to rent to certain people. Licensing does not change core tenancy law like notice periods, but it gives councils extra enforcement powers to require improvements or to fine or prosecute unlicensed landlords.
Practical steps tenants can take
- Gather evidence such as dated photos, messages and receipts whenever a repair or inspection is relevant.
- Contact your landlord or letting agent first to request repairs or to ask for the licence details.
- Check whether your property is in a licensed area on your local council website and read the licence conditions.
- Consider whether council enforcement or a rent repayment order is appropriate if a landlord has breached licensing rules or safety duties.
What councils can do and when to contact them
Councils can inspect properties, require works, issue fines, refuse licences and in some cases prosecute landlords. If your landlord does not hold a required licence or is not meeting licence conditions, report the issue to the council housing or environmental health team. Provide your evidence and ask what enforcement steps they can take; councils often prioritise cases affecting safety or multiple tenants.
Options when a landlord will not act
If the landlord fails to repair or provide required safety checks, tenants can ask the council to take enforcement action or explore a rent repayment order if conditions were breached and you qualify. For possession or complex legal disputes, the courts or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) may be involved for specific types of claims; the First-tier Tribunal handles some housing disputes and is the official body to consider certain landlord-tenant applications.[2]
Fees, deposits and tenant protections
Licensing itself does not create a new tenancy fee for tenants; licences are issued to landlords. If a landlord tries to charge you an up-front licensing fee, check the council rules and seek advice. Deposit protection and prescribed information rules still apply, and tenants can apply for remedies if deposits are mishandled.
FAQ
- What is selective licensing?
- Selective licensing is a council scheme requiring landlords in a defined area to hold a licence and meet set conditions to improve property management and standards.
- Can a landlord pass licence costs to tenants?
- No specific licence fee may be legally forced onto tenants as a new charge, but landlords may adjust overall rent; challenge any direct up-front "licence" charge through your council or tribunal routes.
- How do I report an unlicensed landlord?
- Gather evidence, contact your council housing or environmental health team and submit the evidence asking for an investigation; councils can fine or prosecute unlicensed landlords.
How-To
- Gather photos, dated messages and receipts that show the condition of the property and any requests you made.
- Check your local council website to confirm whether your area requires a licence and what conditions apply.
- Report the issue to the council housing or environmental health team and request enforcement, attaching your evidence.
- If enforcement is insufficient, ask about applying for a rent repayment order or other remedies through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or court as appropriate.[3]
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
- GOV.UK: Selective and additional licensing guidance
- GOV.UK: How to apply for a rent repayment order
