Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Designated wards covering around 80% of the city's private rented sector; use the council postcode look-up to check an address | 1 April 2022 to not published | £704 full property licence; reduced fees from £321 to £486 for new rental properties, EPC C or above, flats in the same block and landlord body membership; no fee for landlords helping the council meet its homelessness duties |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole city (HMOs with 5 or more people forming 2 or more households) | not published to no end date | £1,328 for up to 5 units (£489.10 on application, £838.90 on grant), rising for each extra unit (£1,449 for 6, £1,570 for 7) |
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 Liverpool City Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £704 full property licence; reduced fees from £321 to £486 for new rental properties, EPC C or above, flats in the same block and landlord body membership; no fee for landlords helping the council meet its homelessness duties; Mandatory HMO licensing £1,328 for up to 5 units (£489.10 on application, £838.90 on grant), rising for each extra unit (£1,449 for 6, £1,570 for 7).
Penalties for letting without a licence
For operating a licensable HMO without a licence, Liverpool's civil penalty starting point is £17,000 and the maximum is £40,000, depending on the seriousness of the offence. Updated enforcement and civil penalty policies apply to offences committed from 1 May 2026.
What else to know about Liverpool City Council
- The council says the current selective licensing scheme started in April 2022 and runs until March 2027.
- Since April 2022 the council has received more than 56,000 licence applications, granted over 48,000 licences, carried out more than 19,000 inspections and served over 1,100 enforcement notices.
- A consultation from 27 July to 5 October 2026 asked for views on three options for 2027 to 2032: citywide (64 wards), deprivation-based (29 wards) or poor property conditions (26 wards). No decision had been announced at the time of checking.
- Applications are made through the council's Licensing and Regulations (LAR) portal, which can only be accessed from the UK; the first fee instalment is taken when you submit.
- Liverpool licences cannot be transferred to another person, organisation or property.
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 Liverpool City Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Designated wards covering around 80% of the city's private rented sector; use the council postcode look-up to check an address. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Liverpool City 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://liverpool.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/landlord-licensing/selective-licensing-scheme/apply-for-a-selective-licence/