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Selective licensing in England

Do I need a landlord licence in Liverpool?

Liverpool runs a selective licensing scheme for private rented homes. Here's who needs a licence, how to check your address, and what to have ready.

Checked on 2 November 2026 against Liverpool City Council's own pages.

Watercolour of a red brick terrace with a licence document and a set of keys on the front wall

The scheme at a glance

  • Runs from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027.
  • Covers designated wards across the city, so check your exact address.
  • If your rented home is in the area, it needs a licence unless it's exempt. Homes with five or more people may need an HMO licence instead.
  • The council lists a full licence fee of £704, paid in two parts, with discounts for some homes.
  • You apply through the council's Licensing and Regulations (LAR) online account.

Checked on 2 November 2026. Always confirm on Liverpool City Council's own page, as the scheme ends in March 2027 and the council may announce what comes next.

Sources: Selective licensing scheme, Fees, discounts and exemptions, Apply for a selective licence.

Check your address

Use the council's postcode lookup to see if your home is in the licensing area.

What to have ready

The council asks for proof of address, a gas certificate, property and tenancy details, safety information, details of everyone with an interest in the property, and fit and proper information.

After you're licensed

Note your licence end date next to your gas, EICR and EPC dates, so nothing sneaks up on you. The free MTD deadline calendar adds your tax dates too.

Example Padlord property card showing licence, gas safety, EICR and EPC expiry dates.

Larger shared homes (HMOs)

A home let to five or more people from two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet needs a mandatory HMO licence, everywhere in England. That is separate from selective licensing. Our guide Do I need a landlord licence? walks through every type.

Licensing in Liverpool: the short answer

Do I need a landlord licence in Liverpool?

If your rented home is in Liverpool's selective licensing area, it needs a licence unless it's exempt. The scheme runs from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027 and covers designated wards across the city. Homes with five or more people from two or more households need a mandatory HMO licence instead. Check your address with the council's postcode lookup.

Track your licence, certificates and rent in one place.

Padlord keeps each property's licence end date beside its gas safety, EICR and EPC dates, with your rent and costs alongside.

Start freeGet the free MTD deadline calendar

Not legal advice. Facts from Liverpool City Council's selective licensing pages, linked above.