Landlord guide: Chorley Council
What landlords and letting agents need to know about property licensing, safety certificates and compliance in Chorley Council.
Overview
If you let a property in the Chorley Council area, confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more tenants from two or more households sharing facilities. Additional licensing may extend to smaller HMOs, and selective licensing can cover all private rented homes in designated areas. Always check the council's licensing pages for current designations, fees, and boundaries before advertising, as these can change. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) replaces fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies and ends Section 21 evictions. Key documents for every tenancy include 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 Chorley 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.. Additional licensing: Chorley Council does not currently operate an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs.. Selective licensing: Chorley Council does not currently operate a selective licensing scheme. However, this may change, so always check the council's official licensing page for the most up-to-date information..
Fees and applications
Fees change each year — check the council website for the current schedule. Apply or check a designation at https://chorley.gov.uk/pages/housing/private_landlords/licensing_of_hmos.aspx.
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 Chorley 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.