Liverpool Property Licensing: Which Schemes Apply to You?
Find out which rental licensing schemes apply in Liverpool. Covers selective licensing, mandatory and additional HMO licensing, fees, and how to stay compliant.
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Rental Property Licensing in Liverpool
Liverpool City Council operates one of the largest selective landlord licensing schemes in England, covering 16 wards across the city. The scheme runs from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027. Liverpool's private rented sector comprises approximately 57,500 properties, representing 26.9% of the city's housing stock (2021 Census). In March 2026, the council announced it is expanding its landlord licensing team by 34 staff to tackle poor conditions and unlicensed properties.
Selective Licensing in Liverpool (2022-2027)
Liverpool's selective licensing scheme covers the following wards:
Anfield, Central, County, Everton, Fazakerley, Greenbank, Kensington and Fairfield, Kirkdale, Old Swan, Picton, Princes Park, Riverside, St Michaels, Tuebrook, Vauxhall, and Warbreck.
All privately rented properties in these wards require a selective licence. Landlords must apply through Liverpool City Council's online portal.
HMO Licensing in Liverpool
- Mandatory HMO Licensing (city-wide): Applies to all properties with 5 or more occupants from 2 or more households. This is a national requirement.
- Liverpool City Council does not currently operate an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs.
Enforcement in Liverpool
Liverpool City Council has been active in prosecuting landlords for licensing breaches:
- A landlord faced a bill of more than £12,000 for managing a portfolio of rental properties without appropriate licences (June 2025).
- A property firm and landlord were fined £14,000 over "slum conditions" (January 2025).
- The council is expanding its landlord licensing enforcement team by 34 additional staff (March 2026).
Read the Birkenhead News coverage of Liverpool's enforcement expansion.
Official Resources
- Liverpool City Council: Landlord licensing
- Liverpool City Council: Landlord licensing EIA
- Gov.uk: Selective licensing guide for local authorities
- North West Property Owners Association (NWPOA)
- Property Investors Network Liverpool
- NRLA: Contact and support
Stay Informed
- Liverpool City Council: @lpoolcouncil | Facebook
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This page was researched and written by the Tuxa editorial team. Our data is sourced directly from local authority websites, MHCLG scheme designation orders, and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). We update our content when councils announce new schemes or enforcement actions. If you spot an error or out-of-date information, please contact us.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Related Guides
Quick facts
- Typical licence fee
- £400–£700 per property (5-year licence)
- Apply for a licence
- Council application portal
Frequently asked questions
Licensing data sourced from individual council websites and the MHCLG licensing register. Last verified: . Always confirm current scheme status with the council directly before making licensing decisions.
Licensing guides
Does my rental property need a licence?
Find out whether your property needs a selective, additional or HMO licence.
What is selective licensing?
How selective licensing works, which councils operate schemes, and who needs a licence.
What is HMO licensing?
Mandatory HMO licensing explained: who it applies to and how to apply.
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How to Apply for a Selective Licence: Step-by-Step Guide
A practical step-by-step guide to applying for a selective licence, including what documents you need, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what happens if your application is refused.
Renters' Rights Act 2025: What It Means for Property Licensing
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