Landlord licensing in Blackpool Council
North West · England · Postcode areas FY1, FY2, FY3
Licensing at a glance
- HMO licensing
- Mandatory HMO licensing applies nationally to larger Houses in Multiple Occupation across the borough, specifically those occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households. Blackpool Council also operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs.
- Additional licensing
- Blackpool Council's additional licensing scheme covers smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation across most of the town. This scheme primarily targets properties occupied by three or four unrelated tenants, particularly in areas with a higher concentration of such properties.
- Selective licensing
- A selective licensing scheme operates across a very large number of designated streets in Blackpool. This scheme primarily targets privately rented properties in areas identified by the council as facing issues such as low housing demand, poor property conditions, or anti-social behaviour.
- Typical fees
- Licence fees are typically in the range of £700 to £950, with potential variations based on property type, number of occupants, and early application discounts. Exact fees are published on the council's website.
- Towns covered
- Blackpool
What this means for you
In England, landlords must ensure their properties meet specific legal standards. From 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 mandates that all landlords register on the national landlord register, and strengthens tenants' rights, including the abolition of no-fault evictions. Landlords must provide a written tenancy agreement for all tenancies. Deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme. Landlords must also provide tenants with key information such as an Energy Performance Certificate, Gas Safety Certificate, and the government's 'How to Rent' guide. Compliance with property standards, including electrical safety, fire safety, and maintaining the property in good repair, is mandatory. Landlords should also be aware of their obligations regarding retaliatory eviction and the process for seeking possession.
Official links
Licensing designations, fees and boundaries change regularly. This page is a general summary, not legal advice — always confirm the position for the exact address with Blackpool Council before letting. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.