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Property Licensing Guide for Burnley
Burnley currently operates selective licensing in 11 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?
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 HMO licensing applies across Burnley (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 Burnley?
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.
Burnley 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 Burnley?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Burnley operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 21 July 2022 to 20 July 2027 — covering Bank Hall, Rosehill with Burnley Wood and Trinity.
Selective licensing: 21 July 2022 to 20 July 2027 — covering Bank Hall.
Selective licensing: 27 April 2025 to 26 April 2030 — covering Bank Hall, Daneshouse with Stoneyholme, Gannow, Gawthorpe, Hapton with Park, Lanehead, Queensgate, Rosegrove with Lowerhouse, Trinity and Whittlefield with Ightenhill.
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 Burnley Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Burnley Council’s property licensing fees page for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Burnley Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Burnley operate?
Burnley operates selective licensing (21 July 2022 to 20 July 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Burnley 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 Burnley, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Burnley property licence?
You can apply through Burnley 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 Burnley introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Burnley 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 Burnley?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
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
Licensing Enforcement in Burnley
Burnley 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.
