Sefton Council selective licensing — designated areas & rules

A factual reference for landlords with a property that may be caught by a selective licensing scheme in Sefton 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 Sefton Council

Selective and Additional HMO Licensing Schemes 2023-2028 covering designated areas of Sefton. Always confirm the current designation with Sefton Council's own licensing page — designations come and go on a 5-year cycle.

FAQ

Is there a selective licensing scheme in Sefton 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 - Sefton Council — landlord licensing page — https://www.sefton.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing/landlord-licensing-and-accreditation/selective-licensing-2023-2028/ - Sefton Council — HMO licensing page — https://www.sefton.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing/landlord-licensing-and-accreditation/mandatory-hmo-licensing/

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