LANDLORD LICENSING - INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

All HMO properties that are rented privately in Liverpool must have a licence. This is required to show that the property meets a decent standard and the landlord is a ‘fit and proper person’.

There are two types of licence

Mandatory HMO Licence – this covers all properties that are occupied by five or more tenants forming two or more unrelated households or groups (you are not all in the same family)

Selective Licence – this covers every other type of property (there are some limited exceptions such as University owned accommodation or living as a lodger in someone’s home). The 5 year selective licence scheme ended on 31 March 2020, and was not extended at this point. As such, properties that are not classed as a HMO (see above) currently no longer require a licence.

If the HMO property you are living in is not licensed then Liverpool City Council can prosecute your landlord/agent as this is a criminal offence. Furthermore if the prosecution is successful then the court can apply a rent repayment order which could mean any rent you paid whilst the property was unlicensed can be returned to you.

To view the HMO licence guidance and licensing conditions, visit the HMO section of the Liverpool City Council website. You can also check if your property has a Mandatory HMO Licence on the councils licence register.

If you believe the property you are living in is unlicensed you can advise Liverpool City Council at hmo.licensing@liverpool.gov.uk