Licensing in force Selective licensing, with a new scheme being consulted on.
Licensing schemes in Liverpool
| Scheme | Applies to | Area | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Homes let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share facilities | Every council in England | Since 2006 (national law) |
| Selective licensing | Most privately rented homes | Designated areas of the city | From April 2022 to March 2027 |
What this means for landlords in Liverpool
- Liverpool's consultation on what replaces the current scheme closed on 5 October 2026, and no decision had been announced when we checked. The options were citywide (all 64 wards), 29 wards based on deprivation, or 26 wards based on poor property conditions.
- Proposed fees in the consultation ranged from £453 to £995 per licence.
How to check your property
- Work out who lives there: how many people, and whether they are one household or sharers.
- Check the exact address against the council's map or address checker. Schemes often cover parts of wards, and boundaries change.
- Apply before you let, or straight away if a new scheme has started. Letting without a required licence can lead to a fine or civil penalty and a rent repayment order.
- Check planning too. Some areas need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO (an Article 4 direction).
Our free council finder tells you which council covers a postcode, and the HMO compliance checker helps you work out whether a property is an HMO.
Official information: Liverpool City Council: selective licensing consultation
Other councils
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent out a house in Liverpool?
It depends on the property, who lives there and exactly where it is. Every council licenses larger HMOs (5 or more people from 2 or more households). In Liverpool, selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes in Designated areas of the city (From April 2022 to March 2027). Check the address with Liverpool City Council.
What happens if I let a property in Liverpool without a licence?
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is a criminal offence. The council can prosecute or issue a civil penalty, and tenants or the council can apply for a rent repayment order.
How does LandlordHub help with licensing?
LandlordHub tracks each property's licence alongside gas, electrical, EPC and other certificates, and reminds you before anything expires. The council finder and HMO checker are free to use without an account.