Helping Leicester Landlords Stay Compliant

If you own a rental property in Leicester, you may need a selective licence before you can legally let it out.

Selective licensing is a local authority scheme that applies to privately rented homes in certain designated areas. Its purpose is to improve standards in the private rented sector and ensure landlords are managing their properties safely and responsibly.

At Signature Lettings, we help landlords across Leicester understand whether selective licensing applies to their property and guide them through the compliance process.

What Is Selective Licensing?

Selective licensing means that certain privately rented properties must be licensed by the local council before they can be let.

Unlike HMO licensing, selective licensing can apply to ordinary single-family rental homes, flats and houses within a designated licensing area.

If your property is located within a selective licensing zone, you may need to apply for a licence even if the property is not an HMO.

Does Selective Licensing Apply in Leicester?

Yes. Leicester City Council operates selective licensing in certain parts of the city.

The scheme applies to privately rented properties within designated areas, including parts of the following wards:

• Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields

• Fosse

• Westcotes

• Stoneygate

• Saffron

Landlords should check the council’s selective licensing map before letting a property, as not every street within a ward will necessarily be included.

Why Was Selective Licensing Introduced?

Selective licensing was introduced to help improve standards in Leicester’s private rented sector.

The aim is to ensure that landlords provide safe, well-managed homes and that rented properties meet the required housing and management standards.

For landlords, this means having the correct paperwork, safety certificates and management processes in place before and during the tenancy.

How Much Does a Leicester Selective Licence Cost?

Leicester City Council currently states that the selective licence fee is £1,290.

This is usually paid in two parts:

• £1,032 when the application is submitted

• £258 when the licence is issued

The council may offer discounts in certain circumstances, such as where a landlord applies within 6 months of buying a property in a licensing area. Fees and discounts can change, so landlords should always check the latest council guidance before applying.

What Documents May Be Needed?

When applying for a selective licence, landlords may be asked to provide information and documents relating to the property and its management.

This may include:

• Landlord and managing agent details

• Property address and ownership information

• Gas Safety Certificate, where applicable

• Electrical Installation Condition Report

• Energy Performance Certificate

• Floor plan or property layout information

• Tenancy agreement details

• Fire safety information

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm details

• Management arrangements

• Details of any mortgage provider or interested parties

The exact requirements may vary depending on the property and the council’s application process.

What Happens If I Do Not Have a Licence?

Failing to licence a property when required can have serious consequences.

This may include:

• Civil penalties from the local authority

• Prosecution

• Rent Repayment Orders

• Problems serving possession notices

• Delays in regaining possession

• Tenant complaints or enforcement action

• Damage to your reputation as a landlord

In some cases, tenants or local authorities may be able to seek repayment of rent if a property should have been licensed but was not.

Does Selective Licensing Replace HMO Licensing?

No. Selective licensing and HMO licensing are different.

If your property is an HMO, you may need a mandatory HMO licence or another form of HMO licensing depending on the property type, number of occupiers and local rules.

If your property is in a selective licensing area, you should check carefully whether selective licensing, HMO licensing or both may apply.

How Long Does a Licence Last?

Selective licences are usually issued for a fixed period, subject to the council’s scheme and licence conditions.

Landlords must comply with the licence conditions throughout the licence period. This may include keeping the property safe, responding to repairs, managing anti-social behaviour, maintaining records and providing documents when requested.

Common Landlord Mistakes

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Assuming licensing only applies to HMOs

• Failing to check whether the property is inside a selective licensing area

• Letting the property before applying for the correct licence

• Not keeping safety certificates up to date

• Missing licence conditions after the licence is granted

• Failing to update the council when management details change

• Assuming the agent has applied without confirmation

Selective licensing can be easy to overlook, but getting it wrong can be costly.

How Signature Lettings Can Help

At Signature Lettings, we help Leicester landlords stay organised and compliant.

We can help with:

• Checking whether your property may require a selective licence

• Reviewing the council’s designated licensing areas

• Advising on required documents

• Coordinating safety certificates

• Supporting landlords with compliance preparation

• Helping ensure tenancy paperwork is in order

• Managing the property in line with landlord responsibilities

Our aim is to make the process clearer, reduce risk and give landlords confidence that their rental property is being managed properly.

Selective Licensing and Property Management

If your property falls within a selective licensing area, ongoing management is just as important as the initial application.

A licence may include conditions around property safety, repairs, management standards, tenant communication and record keeping.

Our fully managed service can help landlords with day-to-day management, maintenance coordination, inspections, tenant communication and compliance reminders.

Need Help with Selective Licensing in Leicester?

If you are unsure whether your rental property needs a selective licence, speak to Signature Lettings before letting the property.

We can help you understand the requirements, prepare the correct documents and manage your property with confidence.

Signature Lettings
40 The Parade
Oadby
Leicester
LE2 5BF

Telephone: 0116 482 1359
Email: lettings@signaturelettings.co.uk