What is selective licensing?
- Selective licensing aims to improve management standards in the private rented sector.
- Owners of properties which are privately let and not exempt will need to apply for a licence for each property in the designated area.
- In order to obtain a licence, landlords will have to show that they meet the required standard. This includes passing our “Fit and Proper” person and management criteria.
- Each licence comes with a set of conditions designed to improve the management of privately rented properties. View the proposed conditions.
- 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 £30,000.
- A selective licensing scheme can run for a maximum of five years.
- There is a fee for each licence application to cover the cost of the application and implementation of the scheme; fees are ringfenced and can only be used to administer the scheme. The council does not make a profit from selective licensing.
- The selective licensing team wants to support good landlords and agents by raising standards across the borough; selective licensing is a key part of the council’s Housing Strategy.
Is my property affected?
All privately rented properties within the designation boundary that are not exempt will need a licence.
Alternatively, check if your property needs a licence.
Selective Licensing – How to Apply
Apply using the Selective and HMO licence Online Application System/Portal:
An application is required for a licence for each property that is rented within a designated area, unless the property is exempt.
You may find the following documents helpful when making your application:
Fit and Proper Person and Management Arrangements Criteria
Fees
For applications in Burnley Wood with Healey Wood and the Leyland Road Area the total fee for an online application is £715, reduced to £640 for licence holders who have previously held a licence in Burnley. Burnley Wood and Leyland Road areas Fee Structure :Appendix 2 Amended Proposed Fee and Charging Structure 2021 (1)
For applications in Trinity, Daneshouse, Gannow, Queensgate, Padiham areas the total fee for an online application is £750, reduced to £670 for licence holders who have previously held a licence in Burnley. Trinity, Daneshouse, Gannow, Queensgate, Padiham areas Fee Structure: Fee-and-Charging-Structure-Selective-Licensing-2025.pdf
There are discounts available for early applications and members of the council’s Good Landlord and Agent Scheme (GLAS). Please check the relevant Fee Structure for the relevant area to be sure you don’t miss out.
What does it mean to have a licence?
Licence holders must adhere to the conditions of their licence once granted; this is to help ensure the property is well managed, safe and in good repair. Find out more about what this means.
Further information
For further information on the scheme or about an application please contact the Selective Licensing Team on 01282 475810 or email landlords@burnley.gov.uk.
