Nottingham Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Nottingham? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Nottingham 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 Nottingham?
Mandatory licensing in Nottingham
Mandatory licensing is required in Nottingham 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 property licence in Nottingham?
Additional licensing requires that all HMO’s in a given area with three or more occupants from more than one households must obtain a licence.
Nottingham City council operates one additional scheme covering all areas of the city. The scheme is applicable to all HMOs shared by three or more people who are not all related and share facilities, running from 01/01/24 to 31/12/28.
Do I need a selective licence in Nottingham?
Selective licensing requires that all privately rented properties in a given area require a licence, regardless the number of occupants or households formed.
Nottingham City council operates one selective licensing scheme. It applies to all privately rented properties in the designated wards, regardless of the number of occupants, from 01/12/23 to 30/11/29. The wards covered are:
- Aspley
- Basford
- Berridge
- Bulwell
- Bulwell Forest
- Castle, Dales
- Hyson Green & Arboretum
- Leen Valley
- Lenton & Wollaton East
- Mapperley
- Meadows
- Radford
- Sherwood
- St Anns
How do I apply for a licence?
Nottingham City Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Nottingham. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Selective Licences: £887 each.
Mandatory and Additional Licences: £1473 each
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 5th August 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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What happens if I don't get a licence in Nottingham?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Nottingham 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 Nottingham City council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
As of now, Nottingham Council is not currently consulting on or planning to implement any new licensing schemes.
Why has additional licensing in Nottingham City Council been introduced?
Nottingham introduced additional licensing to improve housing conditions in the private rented sector, specifically targeting Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The council identified issues such as antisocial behaviour, noise, waste management, poor property conditions, overcrowding, and illegal evictions, which were linked to ineffective management of smaller HMOs. The additional licensing aims to drive up housing standards, ensure better management, and protect both tenants and the wider community. It also supports the council’s strategic objectives by reducing crime, improving community cohesion, and contributing to safer, more inclusive neighbourhoods
Why has selective licensing in Nottingham City Council been introduced?
Nottingham Council introduced selective licensing to improve housing conditions in the private rented sector by ensuring properties meet minimum standards and are managed effectively. This initiative was driven by concerns over poor housing conditions, inadequate property management, and the desire to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour associated with poorly managed rental properties. Licensing allows the council to proactively inspect properties, address hazards, and ensure landlords adhere to regulations, ultimately aiming to enhance tenant safety and living standards. The scheme also aims to support neighbourhood improvement and stabilise the rental market by holding landlords accountable and improving the quality of rental housing throughout the city.
What are the responsibilities of a landlord/letting agent operating a HMO in Nottingham?
Landlords of privately rented properties in Nottingham must ensure their properties are properly licensed under the city’s three licensing schemes: Mandatory, Additional, and Selective. They must maintain properties to legal standards, provide safety certificates (such as Gas Safety and Electrical Installation Condition Reports), and comply with housing regulations. Failure to licence a property can result in penalties, including fines, rent repayment orders, and being listed in the National Rogue Landlord Database. Compliance ensures safe and habitable living conditions for tenants
About Nottingham
Nottingham, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is a historic city along the River Trent. Established by Anglo-Saxons in the 6th century, it became a prominent town during the Danelaw period. The city is known for its connection to Robin Hood, with a statue commemorating the legend near Nottingham Castle. Key landmarks include the Old Market Square, Nottingham Castle, and University of Nottingham. The city’s economy is diverse, with strengths in transport, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and services. Nottingham covers 75 square kilometres and had a population of 305,680 in 2011.
