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Property Licensing Guide for Liverpool
Liverpool currently operates selective licensing; 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?
Liverpool Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Liverpool? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Liverpool 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 Liverpool?
Mandatory licensing in Liverpool
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Liverpool (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 Liverpool?
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.
Liverpool 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 Liverpool?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Liverpool operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027 — covering Anfield, Arundel, Broadgreen, Brownlow Hill, Canning, Church, City Centre North, City Centre South, Clubmoor West, County, Dingle, Edge Hill, Everton East, Everton North, Everton West, Fazakerley East, Fazakerley North, Fazakerley West, Festival Gardens, Greenbank Park, Kensington & Fairfield, Kirkdale East, Kirkdale West, Old Swan East, Old Swan West, Orrell Park, Penny Lane, Princes Park, Sefton Park, Smithdown, St Michaels, Stoneycroft, Toxteth, Tuebrook Breckside Park, Tuebrook Larkhill, Vauxhall, Walton, Waterfront North, Waterfront South, Wavertree Garden Suburb and Wavertree Village.
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 Liverpool Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Liverpool City Council sets the following licence fees:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO | £1,328 for up to 5 units — Payment 1 (non-refundable admin) £489.10 + Payment 2 £838.90. Payment 2 rises with unit count. Shorter 1- and 3-year licences pay a reduced Payment 2. |
| Selective | £704 for a full property licence (£232.32 + £471.68); £486 for a new-rental licence applied for before tenancy or within 14 days of occupation. Discounts include £64 for EPC C or above and £37 for professional membership. Applies from 1 April 2026. |
Fees are set by the council and can change — check Liverpool City Council’s licensing pages for the latest figures.
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Liverpool Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Liverpool operate?
Liverpool operates selective licensing (1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Liverpool 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 Liverpool, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Liverpool property licence?
You can apply through Liverpool 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 Liverpool introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Liverpool 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 Liverpool?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Liverpool
Liverpool is a vibrant city in northwest England known for its rich maritime history, cultural heritage, and strong musical legacy, being the birthplace of The Beatles. Historically a major port and trading hub, Liverpool played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution and transatlantic trade. Today, the city boasts a diverse population, a thriving arts scene, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the iconic waterfront. With renowned attractions such as the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, and a variety of museums and galleries, the city blends historical charm with modern development, making it a dynamic place for both residents and visitors.
Licensing Enforcement in Liverpool
Liverpool 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.
