Landlord licensing in Derby City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties occupied by five or more people forming two or more separate households. These occupants must share facilities such as a kitchen or a bathroom. Each qualifying property requires a licence.

Additional licensing

No additional licensing scheme is currently in force for any specific types of HMOs or properties in Derby City Council that fall outside mandatory HMO licensing.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing schemes are in force in parts of the Normanton and Arboretum areas of Derby. Landlords owning or managing privately rented properties within these designated scheme areas are required to obtain a licence for each property.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees are approximately £900 for a five-year licence. Selective licensing fees are variable, depending on the specific scheme and property type, and may include discounts for accredited landlords.

Towns covered

Derby

What this means for you

In England, landlords and letting agents must comply with national housing law, including the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Key obligations include ensuring properties are fit for human habitation, managing deposits in approved schemes, and adhering to new regulations on possession grounds, notice periods, and rent review clauses. Landlords must also ensure properties meet energy efficiency standards and provide accurate information to tenants. Compliance with licensing schemes, where applicable, is mandatory. The Renters' Rights Act 2025, with its main provisions commencing in 2026, introduces a new framework for landlord and tenant relations, including the abolition of 'no-fault' evictions (Section 21) and the introduction of a new Private Rented Property Portal.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website