Ashfield Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Ashfield
Ashfield currently operates selective licensing in 2 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?
Ashfield Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Ashfield? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Ashfield 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 Ashfield?
Mandatory licensing in Ashfield
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Ashfield (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 Ashfield?
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.
Ashfield 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 Ashfield?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Ashfield operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 25 July 2022 to 24 July 2027 — covering Central & New Cross and Stanton Hill & Teversal.
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 Ashfield Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Ashfield Council sets the following licence fees:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO | £1,031.10 for up to 6 tenants (+£91.35 per additional tenant), paid in two stages — £618.66 on application and £412.44 at the draft-licence stage. |
| Selective | £350 per property, paid in full on application; £250 for members of an accredited landlord scheme. |
Fees are set by the council and can change — check Ashfield Council’s licensing pages for the latest figures.
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Ashfield Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Ashfield operate?
Ashfield operates selective licensing (25 July 2022 to 24 July 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Ashfield 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 Ashfield, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Ashfield property licence?
You can apply through Ashfield 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 Ashfield introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Ashfield 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 Ashfield?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Ashfield
Ashfield is a district in Nottinghamshire, England, known for its mix of rural and urban areas, rich industrial history, and green spaces. It includes towns such as Sutton-in-Ashfield, Hucknall, and Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Historically, the region was known for coal mining, with many communities deeply tied to the industry. Today, Ashfield has transitioned from its industrial past to a district focused on regeneration, with investments in housing, education, and local infrastructure. The district is well-connected to Nottingham and other parts of the East Midlands, making it a hub for commuters, while still retaining a strong sense of local community identity. Ashfield is also home to several parks and nature reserves, contributing to its appeal as a place to live and visit.
Licensing Enforcement in Ashfield
Ashfield 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.
