Landlord licensing in Blackburn with Darwen Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties let to five or more people forming two or more households who share facilities. The licence is typically valid for five years.

Additional licensing

Blackburn with Darwen Council operates additional licensing schemes for HMOs not covered by mandatory licensing within specific wards. These schemes are typically designated for up to five years, requiring a licence for smaller HMOs, such as those with three or four tenants sharing facilities.

Selective licensing

Blackburn with Darwen Council operates selective licensing schemes in specific areas, requiring a licence for every privately rented home, including single-family lets. These schemes are typically designated for up to five years, aiming to improve housing conditions and management in specific neighbourhoods.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees are £1,170. Additional and selective licence fees are £970. These fees are payable in stages, and discounts may apply for accredited landlords.

Towns covered

Blackburn with Darwen

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Blackburn with Darwen Council area, the first job is to confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area. Check the current designations for the exact address before advertising. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) replaces fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies and ended section 21 no-fault evictions. Always keep an evidence pack for every tenancy, including a current gas safety record, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website