Licensing in Leicester is set street by street. Check whether a specific address needs a licence with the free property licence checker, or see if it falls in a selective licensing area. See also: Article 4 Direction in Leicester — HMO planning rules.
Last reviewed: May 2026 Written by Ben Yarrow, Tuxa Editorial Team
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. For a broader understanding of selective licensing, refer to our guide on What is Selective Licensing.
Leicester City Council introduced a selective licensing scheme on 10 October 2022 [1]. 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. For more information on different types of property licensing, you might find our Glossary helpful.
The selective licensing scheme operates within a clearly defined period:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Start | 10 October 2022 |
| Scheme End | 9 October 2027 |
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.
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. Understanding tenant rights is also crucial, and you can learn more in our article on the Renters Rights Act 2025.
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.
A: Selective licensing in Leicester is currently in effect in specific wards, including Spinney Hills, Stoneygate, and Westcotes. It does not cover the entire city.
A: The total licence fee is £1,290, payable in two instalments: £1,032 upon application and £258 upon issuance. Discounts may be available for accredited landlords or early applications.
A: Operating an unlicensed property in a designated selective licensing area can lead to severe repercussions, including unlimited fines, a Banning Order, or a Rent Repayment Order where tenants can reclaim up to 12 months' rent.
A: Landlords should first verify their property's location using the Leicester City Council's online mapping tool, gather all required documents, complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then comply with all licence conditions once granted.
[1] Leicester City Council. "Selective licensing." https://www.leicester.gov.uk/housing/landlords/property-licensing/selective-licensing