Selective licensing schemes mean some privately rented homes in England must be licensed by the local council. As a tenant, this affects who manages the property, standards for repairs and safety, and the landlord's obligations for inspections and behaviour. This article explains in clear, practical terms how selective licensing works, how to check whether your street or building is in a scheme, what a licence should include, and what steps you can take if standards fall short. It also shows where to find official application and complaint routes, explains how licensing interacts with your tenancy rights, and points to the tribunal and legislation that handle disputes. Read on to learn the actions a tenant can take to protect their home and safety.
What selective licensing means for tenants
Selective licensing requires private landlords in certain areas to hold a licence for each property. Licences set conditions for management, repairs, safety checks and who may live in the property. Councils can issue licences to improve standards and remove poor landlords from the sector.
Key tenant rights and landlord duties
- Keep records of all communications and repair reports to show when you raised issues.
- Expect landlords to maintain basic standards for heating, hot water, sanitation and structure.
- Landlords must comply with licence conditions and provide required documents when requested.
- You can contact your council to check licence status or report breaches.
How selective licensing relates to law
Councils make selective licensing schemes using powers in national housing law and guidance. Relevant legislation includes the Housing Act 1988[1] and the Rent Act 1977[2], and councils publish local schemes and the licence conditions that apply. If you need the official guidance on selective licensing, see the government page on the topic Selective licensing: apply for a property licence[3].
How to check if your home is in a selective licensing scheme
- Search your address on your local council website or use the national council finder to find the right page (find your local council).
- Contact the council housing or licensing team by phone or email and ask whether your property is licensed under a selective scheme.
- Ask the council for a copy of the licence conditions that apply to your area so you know what standards the landlord must meet.
What to do if standards are poor or a landlord breaks licence conditions
If your landlord fails to meet licence conditions or the property is unsafe, follow these tenant-focused steps:
- Collect evidence: photos, messages to the landlord, receipts and notes of when problems occurred.
- Report the issue to your local council’s housing or licensing team using their complaint or reporting form.
- If the council does not act or you disagree with a decision, you may be able to appeal or take the matter to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for England and Wales First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[4].
Official forms and where to find them
Forms and the names vary by council and by case. Below are the tenant-relevant official forms or documents to look for, how they are used, and practical examples.
- Selective licence application (varies by local council): This is the form a landlord must complete to obtain a licence for a property. Example: if you suspect the property lacks a licence, ask the council to check its register and request a copy of the licence using the council’s licensing page.
- Council housing complaint or report form (varies by council): Use this form to report disrepair, safety risks or licence breaches. Example: submit the council’s complaint form with photos showing persistent mould and evidence of reports to the landlord.
- First-tier Tribunal application (varies): If you need to challenge a council decision or seek enforcement, the tribunal publishes how to make applications and uses online forms or portals. Example: if the council refuses action, follow the tribunal’s application guidance and include your evidence pack when you apply.
FAQ
- Can a landlord evict me for asking about licensing?
- No. Tenants have the right to ask about licence status and to report problems. If you receive a notice you believe is retaliatory, keep records and contact the council or tribunal for advice.
- Will a licence change how much I pay in rent?
- A licence does not automatically change your rent. It sets management and safety conditions. If you believe a licence or landlord action affects rent terms, check your tenancy agreement and seek official advice.
- How long will a council take to decide on a complaint?
- Response times vary by council and case complexity; councils usually set expected timescales in their service standards—ask for a timescale when you submit your complaint.
How-To
- Check whether your property is in a selective licensing area by searching your address on your council website or using the national council finder.
- Gather clear evidence: take dated photos, keep emails and notes of conversations with the landlord.
- Submit a formal report or complaint to your local council using their housing or licensing form, attaching your evidence.
- If the council does not act, prepare an appeal or application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with a timeline and copies of your documents.
- Keep communicating with the council, landlord and (if needed) the tribunal, and ask the tribunal or council for guidance on next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Selective licensing sets local standards for privately rented homes and requires landlords to hold licences in some areas.
- Tenants should gather evidence, report breaches to the council and use the tribunal route if necessary.
- Official council and tribunal pages are the authoritative sources for forms, guidance and appeals.
Help and Support / Resources
- Selective licensing: apply for a property licence (GOV.UK)
- Find your local council (GOV.UK)
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance (GOV.UK)
