Rental Licensing in Worthing: Schemes, Fees and How to Check

Worthing, a significant coastal town within the Adur and Worthing Councils area, is implementing a selective licensing scheme to enhance housing standards and management practices within its private rented sector. This initiative, approved by the Joint Strategic Sub-Committee on March 14, 2024 [1], targets specific wards where there is a demonstrable need to address issues related to property conditions and landlord management. The scheme aims to create a more equitable and safer living environment for tenants, while also ensuring landlords meet their legal obligations.

The selective licensing scheme in Worthing will specifically cover properties located in the Heene, Central, and Selden Wards [1] [2]. This targeted approach allows the council to focus resources on areas identified as having a higher proportion of privately rented homes and associated challenges. The scheme is anticipated to come into force on January 21, 2027, and is projected to conclude on January 20, 2031 [5]. Landlords with properties in these designated areas will be required to obtain a licence for each privately rented property, ensuring compliance with a set of conditions designed to improve living standards and address anti-social behaviour.

Licensing fees for the selective scheme in Worthing are estimated to be between £750 and £1200 [3] [6]. A more specific figure of £850 has also been cited for the selective licensing fee [7]. These fees are intended to cover the administrative costs associated with operating the scheme, including processing applications, conducting property inspections, and enforcing compliance. It is important for landlords to factor these costs into their business planning and to understand the full scope of their responsibilities under the new regulations.

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

Landlords operating in Worthing, particularly within the Heene, Central, and Selden Wards, must proactively prepare for the selective licensing scheme. This involves not only understanding the financial implications of the licence fee but also ensuring their properties meet the required standards. The council's focus on these specific wards indicates a data-driven approach to improving the private rented sector, suggesting that properties in these areas may be subject to closer scrutiny. Landlords should familiarise themselves with the property conditions and management standards expected by Adur and Worthing Councils, which often align with broader housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS) guidelines.

Beyond selective licensing, landlords in Worthing should also be aware of mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing. Properties housing five or more tenants from two or more households, who share facilities like kitchens or bathrooms, require an HMO licence across the entire Adur and Worthing area [8]. The fee structure for HMO licences is tiered, with an initial application fee and a subsequent fee upon grant of the licence. For properties with five bedrooms or fewer, the application fee is £810, with a further £485 payable upon grant. Larger HMOs incur an additional £55 for each unit of accommodation exceeding five bedrooms [9]. These fees are subject to annual review, with the current rates applicable from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026 [9]. Compliance with both selective and HMO licensing, where applicable, is crucial to avoid penalties.

Landlord Checklist

1. Identify Property Location: Confirm if your rental property is within the Heene, Central, or Selden Wards of Worthing, as these are the designated selective licensing areas.

2. Budget for Licensing Fees: Allocate funds for the selective licence fee, which is expected to be in the range of £750 to £1200, or specifically £850, for the duration of the scheme.

3. Review Property Standards: Conduct a thorough assessment of your property to ensure it meets all local housing standards and any specific conditions outlined by Adur and Worthing Councils for licensed properties.

4. Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including gas safety certificates, electrical installation condition reports, and tenancy agreements, which will be required for the licence application.

5. Understand HMO Requirements: If your property is an HMO, ensure you understand and comply with the separate mandatory HMO licensing requirements and associated fees, which apply across the entire council area.

6. Stay Informed: Regularly check the Adur and Worthing Councils website for official guidance, application forms, and any updates regarding the selective licensing scheme.

Landlords failing to obtain a selective licence for properties within the designated Worthing wards, or those not adhering to licence conditions, risk significant penalties, including civil penalties or unlimited fines. It is imperative to comply with all licensing requirements to avoid legal repercussions and ensure continued operation of your rental property.

Navigating property licensing in Worthing requires careful attention to detail and adherence to local regulations. By understanding the specific requirements of the selective licensing scheme in the Heene, Central, and Selden Wards, and remaining compliant with broader HMO regulations, landlords can ensure their properties are legally let and provide safe, well-managed homes for tenants. For further information and application details, please refer to the official Adur and Worthing Councils housing and licensing pages.