Doncaster Rental Licensing: Selective, HMO and What to Do

For landlords in Doncaster, the most critical fact regarding property licensing is that the council operates only one selective licensing scheme, exclusively within the Hexthorpe area. If your rental property is located outside Hexthorpe, you are not currently subject to selective or additional licensing requirements from Doncaster Council. This targeted approach means that while many parts of Doncaster remain unregulated by such schemes, properties within Hexthorpe face specific obligations.

Doncaster Council introduced the Hexthorpe Selective Licensing Scheme on 1 March 2022, and it is set to run until 28 February 2027. This scheme was implemented to address specific challenges identified within this residential neighbourhood, which is situated close to Doncaster town centre. Historically, Hexthorpe has experienced issues related to property management standards and anti-social behaviour, leading to its designation as an area requiring enhanced regulatory oversight.

The Hexthorpe Selective Licensing Scheme: Key Details

The scheme mandates that all private landlords who rent out properties within the designated Hexthorpe area must obtain a licence for each rental property. This applies to all privately rented homes, regardless of their size or the number of occupants, unless a specific exemption applies.

Scheme Timeline

Licence Fees

The approximate fee for a Hexthorpe Selective Licence is £500 for a five-year period. It is important to note that this fee is per property. Landlords are encouraged to confirm the exact fee structure and any potential discounts (e.g., for accredited landlords or early applications) directly with Doncaster Council's housing team, as these can sometimes vary.

What This Means for Your Property

If you own a rental property in Hexthorpe, this scheme has direct implications for your operations. It is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it represents a commitment to maintaining specific property conditions and tenant management standards. For example, if you own a two-bedroom terraced house on Cleveland Street in Hexthorpe, which you rent out to a single family, you are legally required to apply for and hold a valid selective licence for that property. Failure to do so could result in significant penalties, including unlimited fines and a ban from letting properties in the future.

The scheme aims to improve housing conditions, reduce anti-social behaviour, and support sustainable communities within Hexthorpe. As a landlord, this means you will need to demonstrate that you are a 'fit and proper person' and that your property meets certain safety and management standards. This includes ensuring gas and electrical safety certificates are up-to-date, fire safety measures are in place, and you have robust tenancy management practices.

How to Apply

Applying for a Hexthorpe Selective Licence involves several practical steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Verify that your property is indeed within the designated Hexthorpe selective licensing area. Doncaster Council provides maps and postcode checkers on their official website.

2. Gather Documentation: Prepare all necessary documents, which typically include proof of property ownership, gas safety certificates, electrical installation condition reports (EICR), energy performance certificates (EPC), and details of your tenancy agreements.

3. Complete the Application Form: Access and complete the official application form, usually available online via the Doncaster Council website. Be thorough and accurate with all information provided.

4. Pay the Fee: Submit the required licence fee as part of your application. Ensure you understand the payment methods accepted by the council.

5. Await Inspection/Approval: The council may conduct a property inspection as part of the application process. Once your application is approved, you will receive your licence, which must be displayed or made available upon request.

It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of any deadlines, as processing times can vary. Direct communication with Doncaster Council's Private Sector Housing Team is the best approach for any specific queries or assistance with your application.

Check Your Specific Property

To determine if your property falls within the Hexthorpe Selective Licensing Scheme and to understand your precise obligations, use the official property checker tool. This will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific address.

Check your property's licensing status here