Since 2023, Charnwood Borough Council has operated two key licensing schemes that affect many private landlords in Loughborough: Selective Licensing and Additional HMO Licensing. Both run for five years and aim to improve housing standards.

Selective Licensing applies to privately rented homes within the historic boundaries of Loughborough Lemyngton and Hastings. These original areas still determine eligibility, despite ward changes in 2023. The scheme covers properties let to a single household, one individual, or two unrelated people, but excludes any property already licensed as an HMO. Licences last up to five years, are non-transferable, and cost £700 (reduced for DASH-accredited landlords). The Council aims to inspect each licensed property at least once.

The Additional HMO Licensing scheme, also introduced in 2023, operates separately from both Selective Licensing and mandatory licensing for larger HMOs. It applies to smaller HMOs with three or four occupants forming two or more household, as well as certain converted buildings known as Section 257 HMOs.  Properties must meet conditions covering fire safety, gas and electrical compliance, portable appliance testing where required, and suitable management and amenities.

Non-compliance can have serious consequences. Failure to license a qualifying property is a criminal offence and can lead to fines of up to £30,000 or prosecution with unlimited penalties. Landlords and managing agents may face civil penalties, prosecution, Rent Repayment Orders, or even banning orders for repeated breaches. To support transparency, the Council publish a public register of all licensed properties across the selective, additional HMO, and mandatory HMO schemes.

Licensing requirements can be complex, particularly where schemes overlap. If you’re unsure which licence applies to your property or need help with an application, Huntleys is here to assist. As Loughborough’s lettings specialists, we help landlords stay compliant and well-informed while managing their properties professionally and effectively.