Rotherham Property Licensing Guide: HMO, Selective and More

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has implemented a selective licensing scheme to improve housing standards and address issues within specific areas of the city. This initiative, which commenced on 15 February 2026, aims to ensure that privately rented properties meet certain management conditions, thereby safeguarding tenants and enhancing local communities. The scheme is a direct response to identified challenges in the private rented sector across several Rotherham wards, reflecting the council's commitment to creating safer and better-managed rental accommodation.

The current selective licensing designation, formally made on 14 November 2025, covers six distinct areas within Rotherham. These areas were chosen based on specific criteria, including concentrations of privately rented homes and concerns related to property conditions and anti-social behaviour. Landlords operating in these designated zones are legally required to obtain a licence for each rental property, ensuring compliance with the council's management standards and contributing to the overall uplift of the local housing landscape. The scheme is set to run for five years, concluding on 14 February 2031, unless it is revoked earlier.

What Landlords Need to Know - practical specifics unique to this location

Landlords with properties in the designated areas of Rotherham must understand the specific requirements of the 2026-2031 selective licensing scheme. The application process involves a two-part fee structure. The initial Part 1 (administrative) charge of £276.00 is payable upon application. The subsequent Part 2 (maintenance) charge of £699.00 is due upon the offer of a licence, bringing the standard total to £975.00 per property. It is crucial to submit a fully completed application, including all necessary supporting documents, within 90 days of the property becoming licensable to avoid increased charges. For properties licensable from 15 February 2026, this grace period extends until 16 May 2026. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a higher Part 1 charge of £476.00 and a Part 2 charge of £849.00, totalling £1325.00.

Rotherham Council offers several discounts to eligible landlords. Those who received 'better property rebates' during the previous 2020-2025 selective licensing scheme may qualify for a reduced total fee of £717.00, reflecting a 37% discount on the maintenance charge. A 5% discount on the maintenance charge, reducing the total to £941.00, is available for fully completed applications submitted within the 90-day grace period, provided no additional processing work is required. Landlords with multiple flats within the same building will pay the administrative charge for each, but only one full maintenance charge, with subsequent flats incurring 35% of the maintenance charge. Portfolio owners are also eligible for administrative charge discounts after their first three properties. Additionally, a 12-month direct debit option for the maintenance charge is available, subject to a £22 one-off administration fee, for applications made within the first three years of the scheme.

Landlord Checklist

1. Verify Property Location: Confirm if your rental property is within one of the designated selective licensing areas: Town centre / Eastwood / Clifton / Boston Castle, Masbrough / Kimberworth, Thurcroft, Dinnington, Brinsworth, or Parkgate. Utilise the interactive maps provided on the Rotherham Council website.

2. Notify Interested Parties: Inform your mortgage lender, other property owners, managing agents, proposed licence holder, and any tenants with leases over three years, in writing, of your intention to apply for a licence.

3. Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have valid and up-to-date Gas Safety Certificates, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement no older than three months), along with a copy of your driving licence or passport.

4. Apply within Grace Period: Submit your complete licence application and pay the Part 1 administrative fee of £276.00 before the 90-day grace period expires (e.g., by 16 May 2026 for properties licensable from 15 February 2026) to avoid increased charges.

5. Pay Part 2 Fee: Be prepared to pay the Part 2 maintenance fee of £699.00 upon receiving the offer of a licence from Rotherham Council.

6. Review Discount Eligibility: Check if you qualify for any of the available discounts, such as those for previous 'better property rebates', early complete applications, multiple flats in one building, or large portfolios.

7. Consider Direct Debit: If eligible and within the first three years of the scheme, consider setting up a 12-month direct debit for the maintenance charge, incurring a £22 one-off administration fee.

Any person who, without reasonable excuse, has control of or manages a house in any of the designated areas without a licence, or fails to comply with licence conditions, will be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine, or a civil penalty of up to £30,000.

Navigating the selective licensing requirements in Rotherham is essential for all private landlords operating within the designated areas. By adhering to the application process, meeting property standards, and understanding the fee structure, landlords can ensure compliance and contribute positively to the local housing market. For further details and to access application forms, please visit the Rotherham Council landlord licensing website.