Licensing depends on the council’s current designations as well as the property and its occupation. Check the actual address, scheme boundary, start date, exemptions and conditions.
Search the property address, not just the council name
English selective and additional licensing schemes can cover particular streets, wards or property types. A neighbouring property may have a different position.
- Use the council's current designation, map, start and end dates and exemption guidance. Save the page or written address confirmation used for the decision.
- Check mandatory HMO licensing separately from additional HMO and selective licensing. Record the occupants and households, rather than relying on an advert describing the property as a family home.
- If a scheme is proposed, record its consultation or future status. Do not describe it as an operative requirement before commencement.
Read the licence before agreeing occupation
An application fee or application acknowledgement is not a substitute for understanding the conditions and any limits on use.
- Check the licence holder, permitted occupation, room restrictions, safety requirements and conditions with deadlines. Raise discrepancies with the authority.
- Match advertising and proposed household arrangements to the permission. Do not add a bedroom or another sharer without checking licensing and planning consequences.
- Keep evidence of inspections, documents and remedial work against each condition, including matters handled by an agent.
Recheck when the letting changes
Licensing is an address-specific management check, not something to research once and forget.
- Recheck at purchase, a change in occupancy, renewal and the end of a council designation. A scheme ending may be followed by a new one.
- Record who will handle an application or variation and what happens if a decision is delayed. Get written council advice where the property falls near a boundary.
- If a possible missed licence is discovered, establish the dates and scope promptly and obtain advice about correcting the position and potential consequences.
Example: the map boundary runs along a road
A fictional property is on the opposite side of a road from a licensed property. Check the council's designation against the exact address and keep the answer. The neighbour's licence does not prove whether this property is included.
What to do
- Find the council’s property licensing pages and designation documents.
- Ask the council to resolve an uncertain boundary or exemption.
- Save the decision and check again before changing the use or occupants.
Evidence to keep
- Dated council check and designation
- Licence, conditions and expiry where applicable
Sources and guidance
- Selective licensing: local authority guidanceUK Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Houses in multiple occupationUK Government · checked 20 October 2026