Begin with the council’s address checker

Liverpool City Council operates a selective licensing scheme covering designated parts of the city. Its postcode and address checker is the practical starting point for a privately rented property. Select the actual address, including the correct flat or unit.

If an address is missing, do not assume it is outside the scheme. The council identifies differences in address formats and incomplete records as possible reasons. Ask its private sector housing team to clarify the position and retain the response.

Check the responsible local authority as well. Properties in Sefton, Knowsley or Wirral require checks with those councils, even where the postal description or postcode is associated with Liverpool.

Selective licensing and HMO licensing are different checks

A normal single-household letting may require a selective licence where it falls within the designated scheme and is not exempt. An HMO, or house in multiple occupation, needs a separate assessment of its occupation and licensing requirements.

The council currently identifies mandatory HMO licensing for properties occupied by 5 or more people forming 2 or more households. Use its HMO licensing guidance and obtain confirmation for the actual arrangement. An address outside the selective scheme does not settle an HMO licensing question.

Planning permission, building regulations and a property licence are separate matters. Do not assume that obtaining one resolves the others.

Check the licence record when buying a tenanted property

The council’s public licence register allows a search for selective and HMO licences through its Licensing and Regulations portal. Check the address, holder, licence type and relevant dates against the seller’s documents.

A licence granted to a seller cannot simply be transferred to another person, organisation or property. Before committing to a purchase, establish who needs to apply, what documents are required and how the arrangements affect your completion and letting plans.

Have your solicitor examine the position alongside the tenancy, title and any council correspondence. If the records are unclear, resolve the question with the council rather than rely on a sales description.

Who should hold the licence?

Liverpool’s application guidance says that, in most cases, the holder should be the person or company responsible for collecting rent, issuing and ending tenancies, day-to-day management and tenant repair contact. It also requires a valid UK address for service of legal notices.

Agree the proposed holder and responsibilities with the managing agent and council. A management agreement should explain who prepares the application, supplies records, monitors conditions and responds to notices. Simply appointing an agent should not be treated as a complete answer to the legal responsibilities of everyone involved.

Budget for the application and ongoing conditions

Read the council’s current fees, discounts and exemptions before calculating the investment cost. The fee structure contains different categories and eligibility requirements, so one advertised figure may not apply to your property.

Prepare the property and tenancy details, safety information, interested-party information and other documents specified in the current application. Keep a record of the submission, correspondence, payment and eventual conditions. A licence is an ongoing management obligation, rather than just an application fee.

Check the scheme dates again before you commit

The council’s current housing enforcement information states that the selective scheme introduced in April 2022 runs until March 2027. This guide was checked on 31 October 2026. Recheck any future scheme, designation or application arrangements relevant to your purchase or tenancy.

Our Liverpool property management service can help you organise the practical management questions. For an acquisition, include licensing in the brief you discuss with your property mentor and solicitor. The council remains the source for confirming its scheme requirements for the address.

Continue your property education

Explore property auction courses, read Dominic’s property auctions book or listen to The Property Auctions Podcast. These resources complement the practical work of developing an investment brief with your property mentor.