East Staffordshire Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for East Staffordshire
East Staffordshire currently operates selective licensing in 3 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 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?
East Staffordshire Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in East Staffordshire? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in East Staffordshire and how to apply for a licence.
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.
What are the licensing requirements for East Staffordshire?
Mandatory licensing in East Staffordshire
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across East Staffordshire (and all of England) to larger HMOs — 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 East Staffordshire?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
East Staffordshire 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 East Staffordshire?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
East Staffordshire operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 12 September 2022 to 11 September 2027 — covering Anglesey, Burton & Eton and Shobnall.
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?
You can apply for a licence via East Staffordshire Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see East Staffordshire Council’s property licensing fees page for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
We Handle Your East Staffordshire Applications End-to-End
TRUSTED BY LEADING AGENTS & LANDLORDS ACROSS THE UK
Managing Across Multiple Boroughs?
Reduce risk by swapping manual tracking for our licensing compliance platform Kamma Suite.
1 licensing scheme. Know exactly what you need.
East Staffordshire Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does East Staffordshire operate?
East Staffordshire operates selective licensing (12 September 2022 to 11 September 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in East Staffordshire need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in East Staffordshire, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a East Staffordshire property licence?
You can apply through East Staffordshire Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did East Staffordshire introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did East Staffordshire introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in East Staffordshire?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About East Staffordshire
East Staffordshire is a borough located in the West Midlands, known for its blend of rural landscapes and historic towns, including Burton upon Trent, which is famous for its brewing heritage. The area offers a mix of traditional market towns, picturesque villages, and beautiful countryside, including parts of the National Forest. With a rich industrial history and ongoing regeneration efforts, East Staffordshire is a growing region that balances modern developments with a strong connection to its historical roots, making it a dynamic place to live and work.
Licensing Enforcement in East Staffordshire
East Staffordshire Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
