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What is Selective licensing?
Selective licensing is a council scheme that requires landlords to license ordinary private rented homes, not just HMOs, within a designated area.
Why it matters to landlords
Councils use it in areas with problems such as poor property conditions or antisocial behaviour. Each scheme sets its own fee, conditions and boundaries, and can last up to five years.
Before buying or letting, check the council's website for any selective or additional licensing scheme that covers the address. Letting without a required licence is a criminal offence.
A licence is usually tied to the landlord or manager named on it, so it does not automatically pass to a buyer.