Private rented property licensing

Fees, discounts and refunds

Fees

Before we can process your application for a licence, you will need to pay the licence fee. The application form calculates your fee, you must select the correct licence type and the correct number of bedrooms available for letting on the application form.

Fees are paid in two instalments. The ‘Part A’ fee is payable when you apply for a licence and the ‘Part B’ fee is payable when we issue you with a full licence. If we do not issue you with a full licence for any reason you will not have to pay the ‘Part B’ fee.

Discounts

There are three discounts available:

For applications for a selective licence under designations 3 and 4 only:

• From 1 October 2023 to 31 January 2024, an early bird discount of 30% off of the licence fee (this discount will automatically be deducted from your fees on the application portal)

For mandatory, additional or selective licence applications:

• Gold Standard Charter landlords receive 50% discount from their ‘Part B’ fee
• Gold Standard Charter landlords who have also signed up to the council’s Finders’ Fee scheme will not be charged the ‘Part B’ fee

How long is the licence valid for?

Licences are typically valid for five years however, properties with evidence of poor management or other housing related problems will only be given one or three years, depending on the severity of the issue.

Refunds

The ‘Part A’ fee covers the cost for processing the licence, refunds will only be issued in exceptional circumstances and where we have not issued a draft licence.

We do not refund fees if the property no longer needs a licence before the licence expires. For example, if the property becomes owner occupied or is no longer let as an HMO in year 3 of a 5 year licence.

Page last updated: 14 September 2023