North West · England
Landlord licensing in Liverpool
Landlord licensing in Liverpool: selective licensing and additional HMO licensing, how to apply, fees where published, and the penalty for letting unlicensed. Last checked 18 August 2026.
Mandatory HMO licensing
In England a property needs a mandatory HMO licence if it is occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. That threshold is national - it applies even where the council has no additional or selective scheme. That rule is set by the Housing Act 2004, Part 2 and applies in Liverpool whether or not the council also runs additional or selective schemes. GOV.UK HMO licence guidance.
Additional HMO licensing
In force in Liverpool. Additional HMO licensing operates alongside the national mandatory scheme. Confirm current coverage on Liverpool's housing-licence pages.
Selective licensing
In force in Liverpool. City-wide selective licensing (including the April 2026 designation). Confirm the live designation and any exceptions on the council site.
From 1 April 2026.
Penalties
- Up to £40,000 per offence as a civil penalty (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026), as an alternative to prosecution.
- Letting a licensable property unlicensed is a criminal offence (s.72 Housing Act 2004 for HMOs; s.95 for selective licensing) carrying an unlimited fine on conviction.
- Tenants or the council can apply for a rent repayment order of up to 24 months' rent for offences committed on or after 1 May 2026.
PRS Database
When the PRS Database opens in North West, landlords in Liverpool will have to register themselves and each property. A missing licence will sit on that record. The database is not open anywhere in England yet.
EPC Band C gap
In the year to June 2026, 28.2% of existing-home EPC lodgements in Liverpool were below Band C - the 2030 private-rented standard. See the full local-authority table.
Sources and review
Last verified 18 August 2026. Review by 18 November 2026. Confirm the live designation on the council site before applying.
Nearby councils
General information, not legal advice. Licensing designations, fees and maps change. Always confirm with Liverpool City Council before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Does Liverpool have selective licensing?
Yes. City-wide selective licensing (including the April 2026 designation). Confirm the live designation and any exceptions on the council site.
Do I need an HMO licence in Liverpool?
In England a property needs a mandatory HMO licence if it is occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. That threshold is national - it applies even where the council has no additional or selective scheme. Additional HMO licensing also applies: Additional HMO licensing operates alongside the national mandatory scheme. Confirm current coverage on Liverpool's housing-licence pages.
What is the penalty for letting unlicensed?
Up to £40,000 per offence as a civil penalty (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026), as an alternative to prosecution. Tenants or the council can apply for a rent repayment order of up to 24 months' rent for offences committed on or after 1 May 2026.
Track licences, certificates and the PRS pack for your Liverpool properties.
Vantage gives every property a 0–100 compliance score, recommends and guides actions by priority, and reminds you before each obligation is due. Start with a 14-day free trial, then just £0.80 per property per month.