Does My Highfields Property Need a Rental Licence?

For landlords operating in the Highfields area of Leicester, navigating the local property licensing landscape is a key compliance requirement. A significant portion of Highfields falls under the Spinney Hills and Stoneygate wards, which are included in Leicester City Council's selective licensing scheme. This scheme, which commenced on 10 October 2022, was introduced to improve standards in the private rented sector in areas with high concentrations of private rental properties.

The designation covers specific streets within these wards, meaning not every property in Highfields is automatically included. Landlords must verify if their property's address is listed within the designated zones. The scheme specifically targets smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) that are not large enough to be covered by the mandatory HMO licensing scheme, which applies to properties with five or more occupants from two or more households.

Leicester's selective licensing scheme is set to run for five years, concluding on 9 October 2027. All licences issued under this scheme will expire on this date, regardless of their start date. The introduction of this scheme underscores the council's commitment to tackling poor property conditions and ensuring tenants have safe and well-managed homes. Landlords in the affected parts of Highfields must engage with this legal framework to continue operating lawfully.

What Landlords Need to Know

Landlords with properties in the designated Highfields areas must understand the specific obligations that come with the selective licence. The full application fee of £1,290 is payable in two parts: a Part A fee of £1,032 for processing the application and a Part B fee of £258 before the licence is issued. It is important to note that early bird discounts offered at the scheme's launch have now expired.

A crucial part of the application is the 'fit and proper person' declaration, which must be completed by the proposed licence holder and any property manager. This declaration, valid for three months, assesses the applicant's suitability to manage a rental property, considering any history of fraud, dishonesty, or breaches of landlord and tenant law. The council will not issue a licence unless it is satisfied that the management of the property is in capable hands.

Furthermore, licensed properties are subject to inspection to ensure they are free from Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This means landlords must be proactive in maintaining their properties, with particular attention to fire safety. Linked, mains-powered smoke alarms are a mandatory requirement. Failure to comply with licence conditions can lead to significant penalties, so a thorough understanding of the rules is essential.

Landlord Checklist

1. Verify Your Property's Status: Use Leicester City Council's online interactive map to confirm if your Highfields property falls within a designated selective licensing area.

2. Complete the 'Fit and Proper Person' Test: Ensure you and your property manager (if you use one) have an up-to-date 'fit and proper person' declaration before starting your application.

3. Gather Essential Safety Certificates: Compile your current Gas Safety Record, Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

4. Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment: Carry out and document a thorough fire risk assessment for your property, ensuring you have installed interlinked, mains-powered smoke alarms.

5. Prepare Floor Plans: Create clear floor plans for your property, indicating room sizes and the location of smoke and heat detectors.

6. Submit the Application and Part A Fee: Complete the online application via the Leicester City Council's MyAccount portal and pay the initial £1,032 Part A fee.

7. Prepare for Inspection: Ensure your property is in good repair and free of any serious hazards in readiness for a council inspection.

A key detail for landlords in Highfields to remember is that the selective licensing scheme primarily targets smaller rental properties not covered by mandatory HMO licensing. If you rent to two or more households making up four or fewer people, you are likely to need a selective licence in the designated zones.

Successfully navigating the selective licensing scheme in Highfields is a non-negotiable aspect of being a landlord in the area. By understanding the requirements and taking a proactive approach to compliance, you can ensure your properties meet the required standards and avoid the significant legal and financial penalties associated with non-compliance. For further details, landlords should consult the official Leicester City Council website.