Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Designated parts of the city shown on the council map (not the whole city); check the address with the council property checker | 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2028 | £950 standard; £759 for accredited landlords (DASH, Unipol or ANUK); £1,318 for less compliant landlords (fees from 1 April 2026, including £290 Part A) |
| Additional HMO licensing | Whole city (HMOs with 3 or more people forming 2 or more households not covered by mandatory licensing) | 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028 | £1,607 standard; £1,210 accredited; £2,180 less compliant (fees from April 2026, including £697 Part A); £29 per bedroom from the 10th bedroom |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole city (HMOs with 5 or more people forming 2 or more households) | not published to no end date | £1,607 standard; £1,210 accredited (Unipol, DASH or ANUK); £2,180 less compliant (fees from April 2026) |
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.
- A smaller HMO inside an additional licensing area: yes, additional licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Nottingham City Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £950 standard; £759 for accredited landlords (DASH, Unipol or ANUK); £1,318 for less compliant landlords (fees from 1 April 2026, including £290 Part A); Additional HMO licensing £1,607 standard; £1,210 accredited; £2,180 less compliant (fees from April 2026, including £697 Part A); £29 per bedroom from the 10th bedroom; Mandatory HMO licensing £1,607 standard; £1,210 accredited (Unipol, DASH or ANUK); £2,180 less compliant (fees from April 2026).
Penalties for letting without a licence
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is an offence. Councils can issue civil penalties or prosecute, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order.
What else to know about Nottingham City Council
- Nottingham fees are paid in two parts: Part A when you apply and Part B when the licence is granted.
- Paper selective licence applications cost an extra £113 on top of the online fee.
- Landlords accredited with DASH, Unipol or ANUK pay the lowest fee tier; landlords the council treats as less compliant pay the highest.
- The selective licensing designation was made on 17 January 2023 and confirmed by the Secretary of State on 26 July 2023; it is the city's second selective scheme.
- The additional licensing designation excludes section 257 converted blocks of flats and student HMOs managed under the ANUK code of practice.
- The council estimates the selective scheme covers over 30,000 privately rented homes and the additional scheme over 2,300 HMOs.
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 Nottingham City Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Designated parts of the city shown on the council map (not the whole city); check the address with the council property checker. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Nottingham City Council have additional HMO licensing?
Yes: Whole city (HMOs with 3 or more people forming 2 or more households not covered by mandatory licensing).
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://myaccount.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/service/What_Type_of_Licence_Do_I_Need_