UK PROPERTY QUESTIONS

Selective licensing lets a council require all private rental properties in a specific area to hold a licence, regardless of size or number of occupants. It is separate from mandatory HMO licensing (which applies nationwide to large HMOs) and from additional licensing (which covers smaller HMOs in specific areas). Selective licensing typically targets areas with low housing demand, antisocial behaviour, or poor property condition as part of a regeneration strategy. A licence typically costs £600 to £900 per property and runs for five years. Applications require proof of basic safety standards: gas safety certificate, electrical safety (EICR), fit and proper person test for the landlord. Financial consequences of non-compliance are severe. Unlicensed landlords can be fined up to £30,000 per property via a civil penalty notice. They also cannot serve a valid Section 21 eviction notice, making it very hard to remove tenants. Rent repayment orders can force the landlord to repay up to 12 months of rent. For investors, selective licensing is a cost and a compliance burden, not a blocker. Budget the fee, book the inspection, pass the fit and proper person test. BuildLink flags selective licensing areas automatically at the postcode level.