Landlord licensing in Preston City Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies citywide to properties occupied by five or more persons forming two or more separate households, sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Preston City Council operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not covered by mandatory licensing. This scheme applies to HMOs occupied by three or four persons forming two or more separate households, sharing facilities, across various designated wards in the city.

Selective licensing

Selective licensing operates in several designated wards. This applies to all privately rented properties within these areas, regardless of whether they are an HMO or not, unless an exemption applies.

Typical fees

Mandatory HMO licence fees are typically around £900 for a five-year licence. Additional and selective licensing fees may vary.

Towns covered

Preston

What this means for you

In Preston, landlords and managing agents of privately rented properties must ensure compliance with housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This includes obligations regarding property standards, safety, and tenancy management. Certain types of properties, particularly Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), require a licence from the council. It is essential to understand whether your property falls under mandatory, additional, or selective licensing schemes. Failure to obtain a required licence can lead to significant penalties, including unlimited fines and rent repayment orders. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 also introduces new requirements for landlords, such as periodic electrical safety checks and stricter rules on evictions and tenancy terms, all of which must be adhered to.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website