Property Licensing Guide for Burnley
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.
Burnley Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Burnley? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Burnley 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 Burnley?
Mandatory licensing in Burnley:
Mandatory licensing is required in Burnley for all HMO properties made up of 5 or more people from two different households. This includes:
- 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 a selective property licence in Burnley?
Selective licensing is required for all privately rented properties in a designated area, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
Burnley Council operates two selective licensing schemes, the details of which follow:
Burnley selective scheme one – Runs from 1st November 2019 until 31st October 2024, covering the wards of Bank Hall, Daneshouse with Stoneyholme, Gannow, Queensgate, and Whittefield with Ightenhill.
While this scheme ends in October, Burnley recently got council approval to continue this scheme in 2025, with the addition of the ward of Padiham and the Lyndhurst Road area.
Since the proposed new scheme covers more than 20% of the region, it has gone to the Secretary of State for approval in August 2024 and is awaiting full confirmation. We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.
Burnley selective scheme two – Runs from 21st July 2022 until 20th July 2027, covering the following wards: Bank Hall, Rosehill with Burnley Wood, and Trinity.
Do I need an additional licence in Burnley?
Additional licensing requires all HMO’s with 3 or more people from more than one household to obtain a property licence.
Burnley Council are not currently operating any additional licensing schemes
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How do I apply for a licence in Burnley?
Burnley Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licensing application service for Burnley. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory licence fee: £923
Selective licence fee: £715 (this will go up to £750 should the new selective scheme be introduced)
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of Septemeber 2024
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Burnley?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Burnley Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.
If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Burnley council planning to introduce any new licensing schemes?
Yes, Burnley Council got council approval to extend their current selective licensing scheme, but require Secretary of State approval to get it confirmed. This page will update with more information as it becomes available
Why does Burnley Council want to extend their selective licensing measures?
Burnley Council is planning to extend their selective licensing measures due to ongoing issues with poor housing conditions, high levels of deprivation, and low housing demand in certain areas. The Council’s data shows that around 22.5% of private rented properties in the borough have Category 1 hazards, significantly above the national average. Burnley is ranked as the 11th most deprived local authority in England, and many neighbourhoods suffer from fuel poverty, antisocial behaviour, and a high number of empty properties. The Council believes that extending the licensing scheme will continue to improve housing standards, reduce crime, and support community stability by ensuring landlords maintain properties to a required standard and address issues like energy efficiency and tenant safety
What impact has selective licensing had on Burnley?
Selective licensing has significantly improved housing conditions in Burnley by enabling the council to take proactive measures against substandard housing and non-compliant landlords. Since the introduction of the scheme, over 22% of properties in the private rented sector with serious Category 1 hazards have been identified and addressed, helping to ensure safer living environments for tenants. The scheme has also reduced the number of long-term vacant homes and improved energy efficiency standards in many areas. These improvements indicate the scheme’s effectiveness in tackling poor property conditions and stabilising local housing market
About Burnley
Burnley is a town in Lancashire, England, with a population of approximately 94,700 as of 2024. The town has seen significant growth over the past decade, increasing by 8.8% since 2011. Burnley is known for its rich industrial heritage and diverse local economy, with key sectors including wholesale and retail trade, as well as vehicle repair services. Despite its growth, Burnley faces challenges such as high unemployment rates at 5.4%, above the national average of 3.8%, and property values that are significantly lower than the UK average, with an average property price of £135,968 compared to £294,910 nationwide
