What this topic is
- Selective licensing is a power local authorities have under the Housing Act 2004 to require most or all private rented properties in a designated area to be licensed.
- Schemes are time-limited and area-specific. Conditions typically cover property standards, management arrangements and tenant referencing.
- Sunderland City Council operates licensing schemes in defined parts of the city. Landlords should always check the council's current map and scheme conditions for the property's postcode.
Why it matters to landlords, letting agents and homeowners
- Letting a licensable property without the required licence is a criminal offence and can lead to Rent Repayment Orders, fines and Banning Orders.
- Licence conditions sit alongside, not instead of, statutory compliance duties such as EPC, Gas Safety and EICR.
- Selective licensing inspections often surface HHSRS hazards.
How it connects to property safety and compliance
- Schemes are designed to raise standards in areas with quality, antisocial behaviour or low demand challenges.
- Keeping certificates and renewal dates organised makes licence applications and reviews easier.
How Sunderland Landlord Compliance can help
- Coordinate the compliance certificates typically needed to support a licence application.
- Provide a place to keep certificates and renewal dates visible against each licensed property.
Relevant SLC services and pages
Official sources
General awareness only
This page is published for general awareness and education. It is not legal advice and does not replace formal advice from a solicitor, surveyor or your local authority. Sunderland Landlord Compliance is a compliance coordination service and does not act as a legal adviser, local authority, enforcement body, surveyor, solicitor or housing inspector. SLC does not guarantee compliance.