Oadby and Wigston Borough Council selective licensing — designated areas & rules

A factual reference for landlords with a property that may be caught by a selective licensing scheme in Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. Selective licensing under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 lets a council designate an area where most privately rented homes must be licensed — regardless of how many occupants live there.

How selective licensing works

A selective licensing designation applies to most privately rented homes inside a defined area — not just HMOs. Designations can run for up to 5 years and must be made under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004. A property can be caught by both a selective licence and an HMO licence at the same time.

Selective licensing position in Oadby and Wigston Borough Council

Selective Licensing scheme approved Feb 2025 covering part of Wigston and South Wigston, commencing 10 November 2025 for 5 years. Always confirm the current designation with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's own licensing page — designations come and go on a 5-year cycle.

FAQ

Is there a selective licensing scheme in Oadby and Wigston Borough Council? Our recorded position is shown above and is reviewed on a regular cycle, but every council can vary or end a designation at any council meeting. Always confirm the current scheme on the council's own licensing page (linked below) before deciding whether you need a licence.

Is selective licensing the same as HMO licensing? No. Selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes inside a designated area, regardless of occupancy. HMO licensing applies to houses in multiple occupation as defined by the Housing Act 2004. A single property can be caught by both schemes.

What happens if I let an unlicensed property in a designated area? Letting a property without a required selective licence is an offence under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004. Penalties can be issued as a financial penalty (up to £30,000) or via prosecution, and tenants or the council can apply for a Rent Repayment Order for up to 24 months' rent (doubled from 12 months by the Renters' Rights Act 2025).

Sources: - legislation.gov.uk — Housing Act 2004, Part 3 (Selective licensing) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/part/3 - GOV.UK — Selective licensing in the private rented sector: a guide for local authorities — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/selective-licensing-in-the-private-rented-sector-a-guide-for-local-authorities - Oadby and Wigston Borough Council — landlord licensing page — https://www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/selective_licensing_scheme - Oadby and Wigston Borough Council — HMO licensing page — https://www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/houses_in_multiple_occupancy

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Reference data only — always check the council's own page before applying.