Book Demo

Property Licensing Guide for Sefton

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.

Get a free licensing report

Sefton Property Licensing Schemes

Got questions about licensing schemes in Sefton? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Sefton 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.

Haringey Property Licensing

What are the licensing requirements for Sefton? 

Mandatory licensing in Sefton

Mandatory licensing is required in Sefton 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 Sefton? 

When a council implements additional licensing measures, it means that all HMO properties with three or more people from more than one household must obtain a licence in the areas designated. 

Sefton council currently operates one additional licensing scheme. The scheme runs from 1st March 2023 until 29th February 2028, and covers the following wards: 

  • Blundellsands 
  • Cambridge
  • Church
  • Duke’s
  • Kew

Do I need a selective licence in Sefton?

Selective licensing expands the scope of regulation to mean that all privately rented properties in a designated area must obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed. 

Sefton council currently operates one selective licensing scheme, covering the wards of Derby, Linacre, and Litherland. THe scheme runs from 1st March 2023 until 29th February 2028.

How do I apply for a licence?

Sefton Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Sefton. Get in touch with us here to find out more.

How much does a license cost?

Mandatory Licensing: £900 

Additional Licensing: £950

Selective Licensing: £695

These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 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
  • Instant notification of any licensing changes affecting one of your properties
  • Access property licensing experts to manage the licensing application on your behalf

What happens if I don't get a licence in Sefton?

Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Sefton 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 Sefton council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?

As of now, Sefton Council is not currently consulting on or planning to introduce any new licensing schemes,

Why did Sefton Council introduce additional licensing?

Sefton Council introduced Additional Licensing to address significant issues in the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in areas with high levels of deprivation and poor housing conditions. Over a 3.5-year period, 81% of the 189 service requests related to HMOs were from the areas designated, highlighting widespread poor property management. Additionally, 33% of Sefton’s private rented HMOs are in these areas, necessitating continued regulation to improve living conditions and property management standards

Why did Sefton Council introduce selective licensing?

Sefton Council introduced Selective Licensing to address long-standing issues with poor property conditions, high levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB), and significant deprivation. Under the prior schemes, 58% of properties initially failed to meet required standards, but after intervention, 98% achieved compliance. This demonstrated the effectiveness of such regulation, which is now being extended to improve housing quality and reduce ASB, building on the successes of the earlier licensing initiatives. 

What improvements in housing conditions were achieved through Sefton's prior licensing schemes?

The prior Selective and Additional Licensing schemes in Sefton led to significant improvements in housing conditions. Between March 2018 and August 2021, the schemes resulted in the removal of 1,113 health and safety hazards across licensable properties, including 370 serious Category 1 hazards. Additionally, compliance visits showed that 58% of properties were initially non-compliant, but 98% achieved compliance after intervention, demonstrating the effectiveness of these schemes in enhancing property management and safety standard

sefton Property Licensing

About Sefton

Sefton is a metropolitan borough in Merseyside, North West England, stretching from the northern outskirts of Liverpool to the coastal town of Southport. It encompasses a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, including key towns such as Bootle, Crosby, and Formby. Known for its diverse landscape, Sefton features coastal areas, parks, and nature reserves. The borough plays a significant role within the Liverpool City Region, with a population of around 275,000 people. Sefton faces challenges related to housing, socio-economic disparities, and urban regeneration.