Landlord licensing in West Lancashire 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 a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.

Additional licensing

West Lancashire Council has not currently designated any areas for additional licensing for smaller HMOs. Landlords should check the council's website for updates, as designations can run for up to five years and may be ward or street specific.

Selective licensing

West Lancashire Council has not currently designated any areas for selective licensing. Landlords should check the council's website for updates, as selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area, including single-family lets.

Towns covered

West Lancashire

What this means for you

If you let a property in the West Lancashire Council area, first confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing covers properties let to five or more people forming two or more households sharing facilities. Additional licensing may extend this to smaller HMOs, with designations running for up to five years. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in designated areas, including single-family lets. Check current designations, fees, and boundaries on the council's own licensing pages. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commencing 2026) replaces assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies and ends section 21 no-fault evictions. Regardless of licensing, maintain an evidence pack for every tenancy, including 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.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website