Nottingham City Council ran one of England's largest selective licensing schemes from August 2018 to July 2023, covering most of the city. Since then, more targeted schemes have run. This guide explains the current position, fees, and what landlords must do.
2018-23
Original citywide scheme
~£480
Typical 5-year licence fee
£30,000
Max civil penalty per offence
12 months
Rent repayment exposure
Nottingham ran a near-citywide selective licensing scheme from 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2023, covering around 32,000 properties. The scheme was one of the largest in the country. It expired in July 2023; the council has since proposed renewed designations covering many of the original areas, subject to consultation and ministerial approval.
Current and recent designations have covered:
Always confirm the current designation on nottinghamcity.gov.uk before letting.
Nottingham's selective licence fee was around £480 in the original citywide scheme, with discounts for accredited landlords. Renewed schemes use similar fee structures. Apply online; submit ownership and identity evidence, safety certificates; pay the fee. The council may inspect.
Conditions: written tenancy agreement to each tenant, Right to Rent checks documented, gas/electrical/alarm safety maintained, anti-social behaviour response procedure, property in repair.
Selective licensing continues unchanged. ASTs become assured periodic. PRS Database registration must include selective licence number. Unlicensed properties may have Section 8 possession refused. Rent Repayment Orders stack.
Nottingham City Council's Selective Licensing team handles applications and enforcement. Search "selective licensing" on nottinghamcity.gov.uk for the current designation map and online portal.
The original 2018-23 citywide scheme expired in July 2023. Current schemes are targeted; the council has proposed renewed designations. Confirm the current position on nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
Search "selective licensing" on nottinghamcity.gov.uk and use the boundary tool. PropReady flags this automatically.
No. Licences are personal and not transferable.
NRLA and DASH accreditation typically deliver a discount on the licence fee.
No. The regimes do not overlap. HMO licence for HMOs; selective licence for non-HMOs in designated areas.
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