Nottingham Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Nottingham
Nottingham currently operates selective licensing in 16 wards and additional licensing in 20 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?
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.
Not sure whether a Nottingham property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Nottingham property →What are the licensing requirements for Nottingham?
Mandatory licensing in Nottingham
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Nottingham (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 Nottingham?
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.
Nottingham operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Nottingham?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Nottingham operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028 — covering Aspley, Basford, Berridge, Bestwood, Bilborough, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Castle, Clifton East, Clifton West, Dales, Hyson Green & Arboretum, Leen Valley, Lenton & Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, Sherwood, St. Ann’s and Wollaton West.
Selective licensing: 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2028 — covering Aspley, Basford, Berridge, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest, Castle, Dales, Hyson Green & Arboretum, Leen Valley, Lenton & Wollaton East, Mapperley, Meadows, Radford, Sherwood, St. Ann’s and Wollaton West.
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 Nottingham Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Nottingham City Council’s licensing fee policy for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Nottingham Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Nottingham operate?
Nottingham operates selective and additional licensing (1 December 2023 to 30 November 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Nottingham 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 Nottingham, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Nottingham property licence?
You can apply through Nottingham 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 Nottingham introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Nottingham 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 Nottingham?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
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.
Licensing Enforcement in Nottingham
Nottingham 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.
