Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Burnley Wood with Healey Wood, and the Leyland Road areas | 21 July 2022 to 20 July 2027 | £736 online application; £661 if you have previously held a licence in Burnley |
| Selective licensing | Gannow, Trinity, Queensgate, Padiham and Daneshouse areas | 27 April 2025 to 26 April 2030 | £774 online application; £692 if you have previously held a licence in Burnley |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole borough (HMOs with 5 or more people forming 2 or more households) | not published to no end date | £961 (£557 on application, £404 on grant) for up to 10 rooms plus £21 per extra room; £671 for Good Landlord and Agent Scheme members (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027) |
Check your street on the council map →
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Burnley Borough Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £736 online application; £661 if you have previously held a licence in Burnley; Selective licensing £774 online application; £692 if you have previously held a licence in Burnley; Mandatory HMO licensing £961 (£557 on application, £404 on grant) for up to 10 rooms plus £21 per extra room; £671 for Good Landlord and Agent Scheme members (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027).
Penalties for letting without a licence
Burnley Borough Council states that operating without a licence, or failing to stick to the conditions, is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution or a financial penalty of currently up to £40,000.
What else to know about Burnley Borough Council
- Burnley is consulting from 3 August until 18 October 2026 on re-designating the Burnley Wood with Healey Wood and Leyland Road areas and introducing a new selective licensing area in the Lyndhurst Road area.
- Members of Burnley's Good Landlord and Agent Scheme get a 30% discount on Part B of the selective licence fee.
- Selective licences cannot be transferred, so a new owner of a licensed property must make a fresh application.
- An Article 4 Direction for HMOs took effect across the borough on 14 October 2024, so HMO licence applicants must first establish lawful planning use.
- Exemptions include homes let by councils or registered social providers, holiday lets, lets to family members (with proof) and long leases of 21 years or more registered at the Land Registry.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Burnley Borough Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Burnley Wood with Healey Wood, and the Leyland Road areas; Gannow, Trinity, Queensgate, Padiham and Daneshouse areas. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Burnley Borough Council have additional HMO licensing?
No additional HMO licensing scheme
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://burnleycouncil.my.site.com/resident2/s/