Landlord guide: Amber Valley Council
What landlords and letting agents need to know about property licensing, safety certificates and compliance in Amber Valley Council.
Overview
If you let a property in the Amber Valley Council area, confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share facilities. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs. Selective licensing can require a licence for every private rented home in a designated area. Designations typically run for up to five years and can be ward- or street-specific. Always check the council's own licensing pages for current designations, fees, and boundaries before advertising a new tenancy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) introduced periodic assured tenancies, ended section 21 no-fault evictions, and established a national landlord database and ombudsman. Regardless of licensing, for every Amber Valley Council tenancy, ensure 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.
Licensing in Amber Valley Council
Mandatory HMO licensing: Mandatory HMO licensing applies to any property let to five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet. All landlords of such properties must obtain a licence from the council.. Additional licensing: Amber Valley Council currently does not operate an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs. Should this change, designations would typically be ward or street-specific.. Selective licensing: Amber Valley Council currently does not operate a selective licensing scheme. If introduced, such schemes would require all private rented homes in designated areas, including single-family lets, to be licensed..
Fees and applications
Fees change each year — check the council website for the current schedule. Apply or check a designation at https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/housing/private-housing/houses-in-multiple-occupation/.
Safety and compliance
Keep an annual gas safety record where there is gas, a valid EICR every five years, a current EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and evidence that you served the required statutory documents at the start of the tenancy.
Renters' Rights Act 2025
Assured shorthold tenancies are replaced by periodic assured tenancies, section 21 is abolished and the possession grounds change. Landlords in Amber Valley Council should review notices, rent increase procedure and record keeping ahead of the main provisions commencing in 2026.
Councils covered
Local rules change frequently. Always confirm licensing designations and fees with the council for the exact address before letting. This guide is general information, not legal advice.