What is a Selective License?

If you rent out property in certain areas, you may be legally required to have a property licence under what's known as selective licensing or additional licensing. These schemes are designed to improve housing standards and help build stronger, safer communities.

🏡 What is Selective Licensing?

This applies to areas where the council has identified issues like:

• Low housing demand
• Anti-social behaviour
• Poor property conditions
• High levels of crime, deprivation, or migration

If your property is in a designated area, you must apply for a licence and meet certain conditions for the duration of the licence.

🏘️ What is Additional Licensing?

This typically affects smaller HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) — homes with 3 or 4 unrelated tenants who share facilities. It can also apply to converted flats (Section 257 HMOs) that don’t meet modern building standards and are mostly rented.

🔑 Why Work With a Management Agent?

Managing property under these schemes can be time-consuming and complex. A professional agent can:

• Handle all licensing paperwork and ensure compliance
• Keep your property up to the required safety and maintenance standards
• Respond to tenant issues and anti-social behaviour
• Stay on top of regulation changes so you don’t have to

Having an experienced agent on board means peace of mind and protection from costly mistakes or penalties.

🎯 The Goal

The aim of these licensing schemes is to:

• Improve property conditions
• Reduce anti-social behaviour
• Tackle issues like overcrowding and fuel poverty
• Help tenants understand their rights
• Create better neighbourhoods for everyone

If you're not sure whether your property needs a licence — or you’d like support managing it — get in touch. We’re here to help.

💼 NGU Landlord Services: 3 Months FREE Management!

Now is a great time to grow your portfolio or let us take over the management of your existing one. We’re currently offering:

✅ 3 months of free property management
✅ Full compliance checks
✅ Rent guaranteed options available

Let’s take the stress off your shoulders—you earn, we manage.