Do I Need a Landlord Licence in Liverpool?
Wednesday 7th June 2023
Do I Need a Landlord Licence in Liverpool?
All landlords must meet various government criteria to manage a buy-to-let property in the UK. However, not all private landlords need to be 'licensed'. Selective licensing is only present in certain areas depending on the local Council's rules.
In Liverpool, selective licensing applies. This means that some private landlords need a licence to have a rental property in the city.
Not all private landlords need to register for a landlord licence in Liverpool. With only 16 out of 64 wards needing a licence, it's important to check whether your buy to let property in Liverpool needs a licence before proceeding with purchasing an investment property.
Obtaining a licence in Liverpool means landlords must also comply with the rules and regulations that come with being a private landlord in the city and being eligible for selective licensing.
This includes demands around the condition of the property, general property management, and communication with tenants.
In this article, we'll answer the question, "Do I need a landlord licence in Liverpool" and explain Liverpool landlord licensing fees.
Do I Need a Landlord Licence in Liverpool?
Private landlords in Liverpool whose properties reside in a certain area must subscribe to the Council's ['Selective Licensing Scheme'=https://liverpool.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/landlord-licensing/, introduced on 1 April 2022.]
The licence is in place to ensure that buy to let properties in Liverpool meet the Council's high standards, thus ensuring that residents live in high-quality homes.
As of 2023, the following 16 wards must apply for a licence for buy to let properties in Liverpool:
• Anfield
• Central
• County
• Everton
• Fazakerley
• Greenbank
• Kensington and Fairfield
• Kirkdale
• Old Swam
• Picton
• Princes Park
• Riverside
• St Michael's
• Tuebook and Stoneycroft
• Warbreck
• Wavertree
Check your postcode to see if your Liverpool buy to let property resides in one of these wards and whether you need a landlord licence in Liverpool.
How Much is a Liverpool Landlord Licence?
Landlord licences in Liverpool are between £0 to £583 per year. Various exemptions and discounts apply to Liverpool landlord licences depending on the conditions of the property.
All licences are paid in two parts. The first payment goes towards the administration fee to arrange the licence. The second fee funds the compliance checks and the issuing of the licence itself.
Here's a quick guide to the costs of Liverpool landlord licences.
Full Property Licence (any property brought to the rental market before 31 July 2022 or after if the licence is submitted more than 14 days after property completion)
£583
New Property Licence (any property brought to the rental market after 31 July 2022 when a licence application is submitted within 14 days of property completion)
£402
Additional discounts apply to the new property Licences depending on the EPC ratings, whether the landlord has an existing membership, and/or if the property qualifies for a multi-flat discount.
Discounts available are between £31 to £53 per property. The lowest fee available to landlords is £265 for a selective licence.
There is no fee for properties that assist the Council in arranging permanent accommodation for homeless people. The Council stipulates that fees are reviewed annually and can be subject to change.
When fees change, private landlords with existing licences don't need to pay the new fees. Only landlords new to the area need to pay the new fees when applying for a licence. Learn more about the Landlord licence fees in Liverpool.
How Long Does a Landlord Licence Last For in Liverpool?
Private landlord licences in Liverpool are valid for 5 years (source). All licences issued are valid until April 2027, when the current selective licence scheme ends.
Whether the scheme will be renewed past 2027 by Liverpool City Council is not yet known. It's also unknown which wards within the borough will be subject to the selective licence rules should the scheme be renewed.
Refunds are not currently issued by the Council if licences are revoked, or if properties are sold before the existing licence expires in 2027.
What is the Penalty For Letting a Property Without a Licence?
Renting a property illegally and renting a property without a licence come with two different types of fines and consequences.
Renting a property illegally can come with a prison sentence of up to five years.
Landlords renting a property without a selective licence or an HMO licence from the Council can be fined up to £30,000. Properties can also be seized, and landlords can face prosecution for operating unlicensed.
Additionally, landlords can be banned from renting out properties if they are convicted of breaking housing law or local selective licensing rules.
How Much is a Landlord Licence in England?
The average cost of a landlord licence is between £500 to £700.
The licence lasts for up to five years and refunds are not generally issued should the property be sold early, or if the licence is revoked for any reason (like the landlord deciding to move into the property themselves).
Selective landlord licence fees are set by local Councils in England. Whether landlords require a licence depends on whether the Council has implemented a selective licence scheme and, if so, in which areas the licensing rules apply.
Landlords should visit their Council website or speak to a local letting agent to check if a licence is needed for a buy to let property or an investment property.
Is it Worth Investing in Property in Liverpool?
Liverpool is an ideal city for property investors to pick up a buy to let. With strong house prices, high average rents, and a steady demand of tenants seeking properties, landlords often get a good deal from investing in Liverpool.
The city holds the title for one of the fastest-growing cities outside of London, with a large student community and working professionals seeking both short and long-term rental accommodation.
To get a good deal on property investment in Liverpool, repossessed houses, distressed properties, and auction properties are a great place to start.
Find a Buy to Let Property in Liverpool Today
Considering property investment in Liverpool?
At Tuna Fish Property, we are your local property experts in Liverpool. We specialise in property sourcing in Liverpool.
Contact us today for a chat about how to buy houses in Liverpool at a discount to market value, including repossessed houses, distressed properties, and auction properties.
Or read our expert guide on how to source property in Liverpool.
