Selective Licensing application

Landlord Discussion
1

HI, My L/A has recently joined the selective licensing scheme, I have some properties in wards the are under the scheme and have to apply by the the 5th Jan.

I have started my first appication as have been informed that I will lose the 1st part payment if I complete the form incorrectly and will have to start again, so trying to make sure I do this correctly first time. Unfortunately there is no contact number at my L/A to speak to anyone for advice just an email and so far no response to my question. So i am asking on here for advice from anyone that has successfully applied and been granted their licence.

It’s with regards to the interested parties. I have included myself and husband as the landlords and owners of the property, the mortgage company and the Freeholder (my property is a flat). Do I need to include my tenants? It also states to include the managing agent. We manage our properties ourselves so we do not use and estate agent but there is of course the management company who we pay service charges too, do we need to include them. I think I am overthinking it but want to get it right so that I do not have to start the process again and pay again.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

2

Yes, you need to include the management company you pay your service charge to. I don’t think there is any harm in including your tenant, although I seem to recall including them in another section of the form.

Although you say that you have to apply by 5 January, I assume that the scheme itself has already begun? Its usual for the Council to give a deadline for applications some months after its introduction, with a threat to prosecute after this. What they don’t tell you is that you are already in breach of the licensing laws if you apply even one day past the date of introduction. Whilst they may not prosecute under these circumstances, it doesn’t stop your tenants applying for a Rent Repayment Order for the period since licensing was introduced. It also means you’d be unable to serve a s21 notice if you needed to.

3

I didn’t have to list any tenants’ details for the two licenses granted by my LA

4

Hi Many thanks for your response, I will add the management company then. There is a section to add the tenancy agreement which I have done, so they do already have their information.

Yes I am now starting the process for all properties as it went live 1st November with our council, we wasn’t informed, I have heard it through other people I know now needing to do the same, so I have made good progress, just do not want additional fees for doing it wrong.

Many thanks again for responding

5

Hi

Many thanks for responding, I presume the tenancy agreement is enough for tenants then.

I will leave them off.

6

@Donna21

not sure which LA, but here are the FAQs from Westminster

“

Privately rented homes in 15 wards will need a licence from 24 November 2025, find out what this means for landlords and tenants…

19. What are ‘Interested Parties’ and who should be included?

‘Interested Parties’ are individuals or organisations that have an interest in the property being licensed but are not the proposed licence holder. The law requires that they are notified about the licence application.

8. How will the scheme benefit landlords ?

Selective licensing, while often seen as a regulatory burden, can offer several important benefits to landlords, especially those who already operate responsibly. It can:

  • Help responsible landlords compete fairly by cracking down on rogue landlords who cut corners and undercut on quality

  • Reduces unfair competition

  • Encourage regular inspections and maintenance and allows for early identification of issues, preventing more costly repairs or enforcement action later

  • Licensing conditions give landlords clear guidance on legal and management standards

  • The council can act as a supportive partner, offering advice and helping landlords understand and meet their obligations, assisting with a multi-agency approach to serious issues such as ASB.

  • Make properties more attractive to reliable, long-term tenants looking for well-managed homes

9. How will the scheme benefit tenants?

Selective licensing ensures landlords meet minimum housing and management standards, protecting tenants from poor conditions, illegal eviction practices, and neglect. It also promotes quicker resolution of problems and encourages landlord accountability.

19. What are ‘Interested Parties’ and who should be included?

Interested Parties may include (but are not limited to):

  • The property owner (if different from the licence holder).

  • Any mortgage lender, bank, or other financial institution with a legal interest in the property.

  • A freeholder, head lessor, or managing agent.

  • Anyone else who is directly affected by, or has a legal or financial stake in, the property.

When completing your application, you must provide the names and contact details of all Interested Parties. Failure to declare them could affect the validity of the licence.”

Selective licensing FAQ’s | Westminster City Council

-they dont explicitly include the tenants, who dont have a financial or legal stake in the property [but who arguably have other interested in it happening, due to the benefits]. I’m guessing because licences are [according to same page] typically up to 5 years, tenants arent mentioned because they change much more frequently.

Cant do any harm to mention them but sounds like you have already via including the tenancy agreement

Other councils have introduced selective licencing recently, you could check the guidance on their websites - I’m guessing they may all use the same def of interested parties

“Barking and Dagenham: Introduced a scheme in Spring 2025.

  • Wandsworth: Introduced a scheme on July 1, 2025.

  • Blackpool: Approved its inner area scheme in November 2024, with a start date of April 1, 2025.

  • Lambeth: Extended its scheme across most wards starting in September 2025.”

good luck