What is private rented property licensing?

Licensing helps us to improve the quality of private sector housing in terms of both physical conditions and management standards.

Types of licensing

The Housing Act 2004 provides for three types of Licensing within the private rented sector:

• Mandatory Licensing of certain Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Additional Licensing of other HMOs (non mandatory HMOs)
• Selective Licensing of all other residential accommodation

How to report an unlicensed property

If you feel a property should be licensed you can report an unlicensed property to us by completing our online reporting form.


Report an unlicensed property