What is Selective Licensing?

Selective licensing is a scheme under which a council requires all private landlords in a designated area to obtain a licence for rented homes, regardless of whether they are HMOs. It is used to tackle low housing demand, anti-social behaviour or poor property conditions in specific neighbourhoods. Each designation lasts up to five years and sets management and property-condition standards. Landlords should check the local authority's map, as boundaries can change street by street.