Liverpool City Council ran one of England's most ambitious selective licensing schemes from 2015 to 2020 covering the entire city. Since then, the council has operated more targeted schemes in specific wards. This guide explains the current position, fees, and what landlords must do.
Citywide (2015-20)
First borough-wide scheme outside London
~£500
Typical 5-year licence fee
£30,000
Max civil penalty per offence
12 months
Rent repayment exposure
Liverpool ran a citywide selective licensing scheme from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020, covering every private rented dwelling in the city. The scheme expired in 2020 and was not renewed in the same form because of central government policy changes affecting borough-wide designations. Since then, Liverpool has operated targeted schemes in specific wards with the highest concentrations of poorly managed rental stock.
Liverpool's current and recent selective licensing has covered:
Designations are time-limited. Confirm the current designation on liverpool.gov.uk before letting.
Liverpool's selective licence fee is typically around £500 for a five-year licence, with discounts for accredited landlords. Apply online, submit ownership and identity evidence and safety certificates, pay the fee. Council may inspect.
Standard conditions: written tenancy agreement to each tenant, Right to Rent checks documented, gas/electrical/alarm safety maintained, anti-social behaviour response procedure, property kept in repair.
Selective licensing continues unchanged after 1 May 2026. ASTs become assured periodic. PRS Database registration must include selective licence number. Unlicensed properties may have Section 8 possession refused.
Liverpool City Council's Private Sector Housing team handles selective licensing applications and enforcement. Search "selective licensing" on liverpool.gov.uk for current designations and the application portal.
No. The 2015 to 2020 citywide scheme expired in March 2020. Current schemes are targeted at specific wards.
Search "selective licensing" on liverpool.gov.uk and use the boundary tool. PropReady flags this automatically when you add the property.
No. Licences are personal and not transferable. The new owner must apply for a fresh licence.
NRLA accreditation and the Liverpool Landlord Accreditation Scheme typically deliver a discount on the licence fee.
No. The regimes do not overlap. An HMO needs the HMO licence; a non-HMO in a selective area needs the selective licence.
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