North East Lincolnshire Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire currently operates selective licensing in 1 ward; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 20 October 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
North East Lincolnshire is in the Yorkshire and the Humber registration window for the PRS database, which opens on 15 April 2027: see what the PRS database means for landlords and agents in Yorkshire and the Humber.
North East Lincolnshire Property Licensing Schemes
The selective scheme covers part of East Marsh ward in Grimsby. To check whether a street is inside it, use the map on the council’s selective licensing page. The council’s deadline for selective licence applications without a late fee was 8 October 2026, and later applications carry a £200 late fee. Kamma’s free checker below covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
Not sure whether a North East Lincolnshire property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a North East Lincolnshire property →What are the licensing requirements for North East Lincolnshire?
Mandatory licensing in North East Lincolnshire
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across North East Lincolnshire (and all of England) to larger HMOs. These are properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in North East Lincolnshire?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed. That means a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
North East Lincolnshire does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme; larger HMOs are covered by the national mandatory HMO scheme.
Do I need a selective licence in North East Lincolnshire?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
North East Lincolnshire operates selective licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 8 April 2026 to 7 April 2031, covering East Marsh.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
HMO licence applications go through North East Lincolnshire Council’s website here. Selective licence applications for East Marsh go through the council’s partner, Home Safe. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence | £850 per property |
Fees as published by the council, verified 20 July 2026; subject to change. See the council’s fee page for full schedules, payment stages and discounts.
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North East Lincolnshire Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does North East Lincolnshire operate?
North East Lincolnshire operates selective licensing in part of East Marsh ward, Grimsby, from 8 April 2026 to 7 April 2031, alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. It does not operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in North East Lincolnshire need a licence?
No. Selective licensing in North East Lincolnshire applies only to part of East Marsh ward in Grimsby, from 8 April 2026 to 7 April 2031. Elsewhere in the borough, only HMOs occupied by five or more people forming more than one household need a mandatory licence.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating a property that requires a licence without one can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. In North East Lincolnshire the landlord also risks a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. A letting agent who manages the property or collects the rent commits the offence too and can be fined separately.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in North East Lincolnshire, and many manage the full process. Selective licence applications for East Marsh go through the council’s delivery partner, Home Safe.
How do I apply for a North East Lincolnshire property licence?
HMO licence applications in North East Lincolnshire go through the council’s website (HMO licensing pages). Selective licence applications for East Marsh go through Home Safe, the council’s delivery partner, via home-safe.org.uk. Kamma also offers a managed application service.
Why did North East Lincolnshire introduce selective licensing?
North East Lincolnshire Council introduced selective licensing in part of East Marsh ward because it found low housing demand, persistent antisocial behaviour, poor housing condition, high crime and high deprivation. The scheme started on 8 April 2026.
Why did North East Lincolnshire introduce additional licensing?
North East Lincolnshire does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme. Its council page says it has discretionary powers to require other HMOs to be licensed. HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household need a mandatory licence.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in North East Lincolnshire?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire Council designated part of East Marsh ward in Grimsby for selective licensing on 8 October 2025. The scheme started on 8 April 2026 and runs to 7 April 2031. The council gives low housing demand, persistent antisocial behaviour, poor housing condition, high crime and high deprivation as its reasons.
Licensing Enforcement in North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution and civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. The landlord can also face a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. Where a letting agent manages the property or collects the rent, the agent commits the offence too and can be fined in its own right. Selective licence applications made after 8 October 2026 carry a £200 late fee.
