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Property Licensing Guide for Peterborough

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.

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Peterborough Property Licensing Schemes

Got questions about licensing schemes in Peterborough? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Peterborough 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.

Haringey Property Licensing

What are the licensing requirements for Peterborough? 

Mandatory licensing in Peterborough

Mandatory licensing is required in Peterborough if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form 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 licence in Peterborough? 

Additional licensing requires that all HMO properties with three or more people from two or more households obtain a licence. These schemes are put in place at the council’s discretion. 

Peterborough council are not currently operating any additional licensing schemes, but have plans to consult on the introduction of additional licensing at some point in 2024

Do I need a selective licence in Peterborough?

Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in an area decided by the council require a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed. 

Peterborough operates one selective licensing scheme. The scheme currently covers parts of the following wards, and runs from 11/03/24 to 10/03/29:

  • Bretton
  • Central
  • East
  • Fletton and Stanground
  • Fletton and Woodston
  • North
  • Orton Waterville
  • Park
  • Paston and Walton
  • Stanground South

How do I apply for a licence?

Peterborough Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Peterborough. Get in touch with us here to find out more.

How much does a license cost?

Mandatory licence fee: £1,100 

Selective licence fee: £908

These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 29th July 2024.

Get instant access to compliance reports across all properties

Kamma uses data-driven technology to help landlords and lettings agents deal with complex licensing compliance effortlessly. Find out how Kamma’s software can keep you compliant across your portfolio.

  • Clear actionable advice for every property in your portfolio
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  • Access property licensing experts to manage the licensing application on your behalf

What happens if I don't get a licence in Peterborough?

Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Peterborough 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 Peterborough council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?

Peterborough council have claimed that they will consult on introducing a new additional licensing at some point in 2024. Details have yet to be announced, but we will update this page with any new information

What are the conditions to obtain a selective licence in Peterborough?

Peterborough’s selective licensing conditions require landlords to provide tenants with a tenancy pack, including a tenancy agreement, safety certificates, and details for reporting issues. Annual gas safety checks and five-yearly electrical safety reports are mandatory, as well as maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Landlords must also handle waste properly, ensure property security, and conduct regular inspections. They must address anti-social behavior (ASB) and maintain records of all relevant activities. Non-compliance can lead to fines up to £30,000 and loss of the licence

Why was selective licensing introduced in Peterborough?

Selective licensing was introduced in Peterborough to address poor property conditions, high levels of anti-social behaviour, and crime in areas with dense private rental housing. With 25.1% of the city’s housing stock being privately rented, some areas, like Central ward, had up to 64% privately rented properties, leading to significant housing complaints and higher crime rates. The initial scheme in 2016 highlighted the need for ongoing intervention, revealing 3,071 private rented properties in Central ward alone generated 946 housing complaints. The scheme aimed to improve property management, neighbourhood conditions, and support landlords in maintaining higher standards, ultimately reducing social issues and ensuring safer, well-maintained housing​

How successful was Peterborough’s initial selective licensing scheme?

The initial selective licensing scheme in Peterborough, introduced in December 2016, achieved significant improvements in housing conditions and reductions in anti-social behaviour. The council conducted 7,278 property inspections, leading to the rectification of numerous housing defects and formal action on 284 properties with serious hazards. The scheme resulted in a 14% decrease in properties with serious hazards and a notable drop in anti-social behaviour incidents in most areas. The private rented sector grew by 12%, showing increased investment and rental options. The scheme also enhanced landlord-council engagement, fostering better property management and safer, well-maintained housing

Peterborough Property Licensing

About Peterborough

Peterborough is a city and unitary authority in the geographic county of Cambridgeshire, England. It includes the historic region called the Soke of Peterborough, part of Northamptonshire, as well as areas in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. Situated along the navigable River Nene and on the edge of the fertile Fens, Peterborough has a rich agricultural history. The Fens, reclaimed from marshland between the 17th and 19th centuries, are now highly productive agricultural land, with many of the region’s products processed in Peterborough’s factories.