Sefton Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Sefton
Sefton currently operates selective licensing in 3 wards and additional licensing in 6 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?
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.
Not sure whether a Sefton property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Sefton property →What are the licensing requirements for Sefton?
Mandatory licensing in Sefton
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Sefton (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 Sefton?
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.
Sefton operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Sefton?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Sefton operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2028 — covering Blundellsands, Cambridge, Church, Duke’s, Kew and Victoria.
Selective licensing: 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2028 — covering Derby, Linacre and Litherland.
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 Sefton Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Sefton Council sets the following licence fees (each paid in two stages):
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO | £950 for a new licence (£800 for accredited landlords), £900 on renewal, plus £30 per additional unit. |
| Additional HMO | £950 (£800 accredited / £750 accredited managing agent), plus £30 per additional unit. |
| Selective | £695 (£545 accredited), plus £30 per additional unit. |
Fees are set by the council and can change — check Sefton Council’s landlord licensing pages for the latest figures.
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Sefton Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Sefton operate?
Sefton operates selective and additional licensing (1 March 2023 to 29 February 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Sefton 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 Sefton, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Sefton property licence?
You can apply through Sefton 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 Sefton introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Sefton 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 Sefton?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
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.
Licensing Enforcement in Sefton
Sefton 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.
