Landlord licensing in North Kesteven 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 basic amenities like a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

Additional licensing

Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Designations run for up to five years and are ward- or street-specific, so confirm the position for the exact address.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets. Check the current designations before you advertise.

Towns covered

North Kesteven

What this means for you

If you let a property in the North Kesteven Council area, confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to larger properties. Additional licensing can extend requirements to smaller HMOs. Selective licensing can cover all private rented homes in a designated area. Designations, fees and boundaries change, so check the council's own licensing pages for the most current information before each new tenancy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) replaces fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies and ends section 21 no-fault evictions. Regardless of licensing, ensure compliance with safety and legal obligations: 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. A national landlord database and ombudsman are also in effect.