Selective Licensing in Peterborough: Schemes, Fees and Dates

Landlords operating in Peterborough need to be aware of the property licensing schemes currently in force. Peterborough City Council operates both Additional Licensing and Selective Licensing schemes. This means that certain privately rented properties within the borough require a licence to operate legally, ensuring higher standards of accommodation and management for tenants.

What is Selective and Additional Licensing?

Selective Licensing schemes are introduced in areas where there are issues with anti-social behaviour, poor property conditions, or high levels of deprivation. Under Selective Licensing, all privately rented properties, regardless of the number of occupants, typically require a licence. The aim is to improve the management of these properties and the wider area.

Additional Licensing schemes apply to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not covered by the mandatory HMO licensing scheme. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties rented by five or more people forming two or more separate households. Additional Licensing extends this requirement to smaller HMOs, often those occupied by three or four tenants forming two or more households, or other specific types of shared accommodation. The purpose is to ensure these properties are safe, well-managed, and meet certain standards.

In Peterborough, the Additional Licensing scheme is Borough Wide, meaning it applies to all qualifying HMOs across the entire council area. The Selective Licensing scheme is partial, indicating it applies only to specific designated areas within the borough. Landlords must identify if their property falls within these designated selective licensing areas.

Which properties need a licence in Peterborough?

Properties in Peterborough will require a licence under the following conditions:

* Additional Licensing (Borough Wide): If your property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) that is rented to three or four tenants forming two or more separate households, it is likely to require an Additional Licence. This is a borough-wide scheme.

* Selective Licensing (Partial Schemes): If your property is a privately rented home, occupied by a single household or two individuals, and is located within a designated Selective Licensing area, it will require a Selective Licence. It is crucial for landlords to check if their property's location falls within one of these specific areas.

It is important to note that properties already subject to Mandatory HMO Licensing (five or more tenants from two or more households) also require a licence, but this is a separate national scheme.

How to check if your property needs a licence

Determining whether your property requires a licence can sometimes be complex due to the varying criteria of different schemes. To quickly ascertain if your rental property in Peterborough needs a licence, you can use the search tool available on tuxa.co.uk. By entering the property's address, you can check its licensing status and understand the specific requirements that may apply.

Penalties for non-compliance

Operating a licensable property without the required licence is a serious offence. Landlords found to be non-compliant face significant penalties. Peterborough City Council can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 per offence. In more severe cases, or for repeated breaches, the council may pursue prosecution through the magistrates' court, which can result in an unlimited fine. Additionally, landlords may be subject to Rent Repayment Orders, where tenants can reclaim up to 12 months' rent.

Apply for a licence

If you have determined that your property requires a licence, you must apply directly to Peterborough City Council. The application process involves submitting detailed information about the property and its management, along with the relevant fee. It is advisable to contact the council's housing or private rented sector team for specific guidance, application forms, and to understand the full terms and conditions of the licensing schemes. Early application is recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

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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

• What Is Selective Licensing? A Complete Guide for UK Landlords
• Selective vs Additional Licensing: What Is the Difference?
• Rental Licensing Fines: What UK Landlords Need to Know
• How to Stay Compliant with HMO Licensing
• Active licensing consultations and upcoming scheme changes