How to Check Whether Your Landlord Needs A Licence And If They Have One
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Why Licensing Matters
In England and Wales, many landlords must hold a licence before they can legally rent out a property. Licensing is designed to improve housing standards, protect tenants, and hold landlords accountable.
If your landlord should have a licence but doesn’t, they may be breaking the law – and you could be entitled to claim back up to 12 months’ rent through a Rent Repayment Order (RRO).
If your landlord should have a licence but doesn’t, they may be breaking the law – and you could be entitled to claim back up to 12 months’ rent through a Rent Repayment Order (RRO).
Types of Landlord Licences
There are three main types of property licensing:
Mandatory HMO Licensing:
Applies to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with five or more people from two or more households.
Additional Licensing:
Some councils extend licensing to smaller HMOs if there are widespread problems in their area.
Selective Licensing:
Councils can require all rented homes in certain postcode areas to be licensed, usually where there are issues with poor housing standards or antisocial behaviour.
Mandatory HMO Licensing:
Applies to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with five or more people from two or more households.
Additional Licensing:
Some councils extend licensing to smaller HMOs if there are widespread problems in their area.
Selective Licensing:
Councils can require all rented homes in certain postcode areas to be licensed, usually where there are issues with poor housing standards or antisocial behaviour.
How to Check if Your Landlord Needs a Licence
Look at the type of property you rent:
Is it a shared house with multiple tenants? Is it in an area known for selective licensing?
Check your local council’s website:
Most councils have an online public register of licensed properties.
If you can’t find it online:
Contact your council’s housing/private rented sector team and ask whether your property should be licensed and whether a licence is in place. They are usually very helpful!
Keep a record:
Take screenshots or ask the council to confirm in writing. This can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
Is it a shared house with multiple tenants? Is it in an area known for selective licensing?
Check your local council’s website:
Most councils have an online public register of licensed properties.
If you can’t find it online:
Contact your council’s housing/private rented sector team and ask whether your property should be licensed and whether a licence is in place. They are usually very helpful!
Keep a record:
Take screenshots or ask the council to confirm in writing. This can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
If you have rented a property in London, there is a fantastic online tool which allows you to find out whether the property/landlord needs a licence.
Take the Next Step
Not sure if your landlord has the right licence? We can help you check for free. If your landlord should be licensed but isn’t, you may have grounds for a Rent Repayment Order claim.
Rent Repayment Orders Have Featured In
Rent Repayment Orders exist because it is not fair that tenants have to suffer at the hands of rogue landlords who regularly break the law. Without consequence and enforcement, these landlords carry on and put tenants at risk every day.
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