Licensing Penalties Apply to Rotherham Agents Too
Property Licensing Guide for Rotherham
Rotherham currently operates selective licensing in 8 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 20 October 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?
Rotherham is in the Yorkshire and the Humber registration window for the PRS database, which opens on 15 April 2027: see when landlords in Yorkshire and the Humber have to register on the PRS database.
Rotherham Property Licensing Schemes
Rotherham Council’s selective licensing covers six named areas: Eastwood, Clifton, Boston Castle and the town centre; Masbrough and Kimberworth; Thurcroft; Dinnington; Brinsworth; and Parkgate. The council says not every property in a covered street or postcode is included, so check the address on its map at maps.rotherham.gov.uk.
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Not sure whether a Rotherham property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker covers selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Rotherham property →What are the licensing requirements for Rotherham?
Mandatory licensing in Rotherham
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Rotherham (and all of England) to larger HMOs. These are 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 Rotherham?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed. That means a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Rotherham 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 Rotherham?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Rotherham operates selective licensing. The current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 15 February 2026 to 14 February 2031, covering Boston Castle, Brinsworth, Dinnington, Rawmarsh East, Rawmarsh West, Rotherham East, Rotherham West and Thurcroft & Wickersley South.
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 through Rotherham Council’s selective licensing pages. Council contact: landlordlicensing@rotherham.gov.uk or 01709 822620. A selective licence application not completed within 90 days of the property becoming licensable costs £1,325 instead of £975. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective licence | £975 (New application (standard licence, per property)) |
| Mandatory HMO licence | £929 per property |
Fees as published by the council, verified 20 July 2026; subject to change. See the council’s fee page for full schedules, payment stages and discounts.
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Rotherham Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Rotherham operate?
Rotherham operates selective licensing (15 February 2026 to 14 February 2031), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Rotherham need a licence?
Not every Rotherham property needs a licence. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need one. HMOs occupied by five or more people need a mandatory HMO licence anywhere in Rotherham.
What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Letting a Rotherham property without a required licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, for offences on or after 1 May 2026. The landlord also risks a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. A letting agent who manages the property or collects the rent commits the offence too and can be fined separately.
Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for Rotherham property licences on behalf of landlords. The selective licence fee is paid in two parts: Part 1 (£276) with the application and Part 2 (£699) when the licence is offered.
How do I apply for a Rotherham property licence?
Apply through Rotherham Council’s selective licensing pages, or use a managed service such as Kamma. Rotherham Council’s contact for licensing is landlordlicensing@rotherham.gov.uk.
Why did Rotherham introduce selective licensing?
Rotherham Council describes its 2026 to 2031 selective licensing scheme as a way to improve housing and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Does Rotherham have additional HMO licensing?
No. Rotherham does not operate additional HMO licensing. HMOs occupied by five or more people need a mandatory HMO licence, and the selective licensing areas cover other privately rented homes.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Rotherham?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (HMO licence conditions).
About Rotherham
Rotherham’s earlier selective licensing scheme ran from 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2025. The council issued the formal designation for the current scheme on 14 November 2025 and says no Secretary of State confirmation was required. The scheme started on 15 February 2026 and runs to 14 February 2031.
Licensing Enforcement in Rotherham
Since 15 February 2026 it has been a criminal offence to let a property in a Rotherham selective licensing area without a licence. The council allowed 90 days, to 16 May 2026, for applications before enforcing. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution and civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property. The landlord can also face a rent repayment order of up to 24 months’ rent. Where a letting agent manages the property or collects the rent, the agent commits the offence too and can be fined in its own right.
