A selective licensing scheme ending does not prove that the property needs no further licence. A replacement scheme or another licensing route may apply.
Check the dates and address
- Read the scheme's legal designation, map and effective dates.
- Confirm the exact property, including flat number and boundaries.
- Distinguish the scheme end from the individual licence's conditions or enforcement matters.
Check what follows
- Look for a replacement designation, changes in coverage and application requirements.
- Review additional or mandatory HMO licensing if occupation has changed.
- Ask the council for written clarification where the transition is unclear.
Update the diary
- Record application preparation, commencement and expiry separately.
- Keep evidence of submissions and payments without marking approval prematurely.
- Review management instructions and adverts if the licence information changes.
Example: a replacement starts the next day
A fictional selective scheme ends on one date and a new designation begins immediately afterwards. Check the new application requirement rather than deleting the licence reminder because the old scheme expired.
What to do
- Check the council's current designation and address coverage.
- Identify the relevant end, start and application dates.
- Record the continuing conditions and any new application.
Evidence to keep
- Old licence, scheme designation and replacement guidance.
- Address confirmation, application and council correspondence.
Sources and guidance
- Selective licensing: local authority guidanceUK Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Houses in multiple occupationUK Government · checked 20 October 2026