Does My Leicester Property Need a Rental Licence?

If you own a private rented property in Leicester, the most critical fact you need to understand is that selective licensing is currently in effect in specific wards, not across the entire city. This means that if your property falls within designated areas like Spinney Hills, Stoneygate, or Westcotes, you are legally required to obtain a licence from Leicester City Council. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, including unlimited fines.

Leicester's Selective Licensing Scheme in Detail

Leicester City Council introduced a selective licensing scheme on 10 October 2022. This scheme specifically targets areas with a high concentration of private rented properties, aiming to elevate housing conditions and management standards within these designated geographical boundaries. The decision to implement this scheme was driven by Leicester's unique demographic and educational landscape. The city hosts two major universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, alongside a substantial South Asian community. These factors collectively contribute to a consistently high demand for rental accommodation. While this demand presents opportunities for landlords, it has also led to specific challenges in property management and tenant welfare within certain areas, which the selective licensing scheme seeks to address.

It is important to reiterate that this selective licensing scheme does not cover the entire city of Leicester. Landlords with properties situated outside the specified wards are not currently subject to this particular licensing requirement. The scheme is precisely designed to tackle localised issues rather than imposing a city-wide mandate, reflecting a targeted approach to property regulation.

Scheme Timeline

The selective licensing scheme operates within a clearly defined period:

Licensing Fees

The total licence fee for properties under Leicester's selective licensing scheme is £1,290. This fee is structured to be paid in two instalments: an initial payment of £1,032 is required upon application submission, with the remaining £258 due when the licence is officially issued. Landlords may be eligible for various discounts. For example, membership in an accredited landlord scheme or submitting an early application can reduce the overall cost. For the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure, including details on all available reductions, landlords should always consult the official Leicester City Council website directly.

What this means for your property

Consider a landlord, Ms. Patel, who owns a two-bedroom flat on London Road, located within the Stoneygate ward. Prior to 10 October 2022, Ms. Patel was not obligated to hold a selective licence for her property. However, with the scheme's introduction, her property became subject to these new licensing requirements. If Ms. Patel had failed to apply for a licence by the designated deadline, she would be operating an unlicensed property. This could lead to severe repercussions, including an unlimited fine, a Banning Order preventing her from letting properties, or even a Rent Repayment Order, where tenants could reclaim up to 12 months' rent. In practice, this meant Ms. Patel needed to proactively verify if her property was within a designated ward and then submit a complete application, including all necessary documentation and the correct fee, to the council either before the scheme's commencement or as soon as possible thereafter to avoid legal issues.

How to apply

1. Verify your property's location: The first practical step is to confirm whether your property falls within a selective licensing area. You can do this by utilising the Leicester City Council's online mapping tool or by directly contacting their housing department. Key wards to check include Spinney Hills, Stoneygate, and Westcotes.

2. Gather required documents: Prepare all necessary documentation in advance. This typically includes proof of property ownership, valid gas safety certificates, up-to-date electrical safety certificates, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and current tenancy agreements.

3. Complete the application form: Applications are primarily submitted online through the council's dedicated property licensing portal. Ensure all sections of the form are filled out accurately and completely to prevent delays.

4. Pay the fee: The total licence fee of £1,290 is paid in two stages: £1,032 with the initial application and the final £258 upon the licence's issuance. Be sure to check for any applicable discounts that you might qualify for.

5. Comply with conditions: Once your licence is granted, it will come with a set of specific conditions. As a landlord, you are legally obliged to adhere to these throughout the entire licence period. These conditions commonly cover aspects such as property maintenance standards, effective tenant management practices, and ensuring all safety regulations are met.

Check your specific property

To definitively determine if your property requires a licence under Leicester's selective licensing scheme, use our search tool to check your specific address. This will provide you with an immediate and accurate assessment based on the latest council data.