Landlord licensing in Liverpool City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory licensing applies to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are occupied by five or more persons forming two or more households, who share toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities. This is a national requirement.

Additional licensing

No city-wide additional licensing scheme is currently in operation for Liverpool City Council, following the expiry of previous schemes. Always check the council's website for any new designations.

Selective licensing

No city-wide selective licensing scheme is currently in operation for Liverpool City Council. Previous schemes have ended. Specific areas may be designated for selective licensing in the future; always check the council's website for current information.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees are approximately £600 to £620 per property, subject to early bird discounts or other criteria. Fees are subject to change; confirm the current fee on the council's official licensing page.

Towns covered

Liverpool, Kensington, Wavertree, Anfield

What this means for you

If you let a property in Liverpool City Council, check whether it falls inside a licensing designation before advertising. Operating an unlicensed property can result in a civil penalty up to £30,000, a rent repayment order for up to 12 months of rent, and restrictions on serving possession notices under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Confirm the licensing status by postcode on the council website. Landlords must also ensure that the property meets all other statutory requirements, including gas safety, electrical safety, and energy performance certificate (EPC) regulations. Keep all compliance records readily accessible.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website