Licensing in Liverpool City Council 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 Liverpool City Council — HMO planning rules.
Last reviewed: July 2026 Written by Ben Yarrow, Tuxa Editorial Team
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.
Liverpool's selective licensing scheme is one of the most extensive in England by geographic scope. The scheme covers the following 16 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. This includes self-contained flats and bedsits. The scheme was designated under Section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 and is subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State for Housing.
Mandatory HMO Licensing applies city-wide to all properties with 5 or more occupants from 2 or more households. This is a national statutory requirement under the Housing Act 2004.
Liverpool City Council does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme for smaller HMOs (those with 3 or 4 occupants). Landlords of smaller shared houses should check whether the property falls within a selective licensing ward, as selective licensing applies to all privately rented dwellings regardless of occupancy type.
| Licence type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence (standard) | £550 per property |
| Selective licence (accredited landlord) | £450 per property |
| Mandatory HMO licence (up to 5 occupants) | £850 |
| Mandatory HMO licence (per additional occupant above 5) | £50 |
Fees are non-refundable once an application has been assessed. Accredited members of the NRLA or a council-approved landlord scheme may qualify for the reduced selective licence fee.
Applications for both selective and HMO licences are made through Liverpool City Council's online licensing portal:
Licences are typically valid for five years, subject to conditions.
Liverpool City Council has been active in prosecuting landlords for licensing breaches:
Tenants in unlicensed properties may apply for a Rent Repayment Order (RRO), which can require a landlord to repay up to 12 months' rent.
Does every rental property in Liverpool need a licence? No — only properties in the 16 designated selective licensing wards require a selective licence. Properties outside these wards only need a licence if they are a licensable HMO (5+ occupants from 2+ households).
When does the Liverpool selective licensing scheme expire? The current scheme runs until 31 March 2027. The council is expected to consult on a renewal or replacement scheme before this date.
How much does a Liverpool selective licence cost? The standard fee is £550 per property. Accredited landlords may qualify for a reduced fee of £450.
Can I be fined for not having a licence? Yes. Operating a licensable property without a valid licence is a criminal offence. The council can issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 or prosecute, which can result in an unlimited fine.
What happens if my property is in a selective licensing ward but is also an HMO? If your property meets the definition of a mandatory HMO (5+ occupants from 2+ households), you need an HMO licence rather than a selective licence. You do not need both.
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: July 2026