Private rented properties

Exemptions from licensing

You do not need to apply for a property licence:

  1. You own your property and you share your home with one or two lodgers.
  2. Your property is let to your close family (defined as parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, or cousin). Please note that you may still need to inform your mortgage lender, your legal responsibilities in terms of management and property conditions still apply and  you will still need to pay tax on rental income from family members.
  3. You may be eligible for a 3 month temporary exemption in the following circumstances:
    • the property is in the process of being sold
    • the owner has given the tenants notice and the property will be sold
    • the owner of the property is moving into the property
    • the property is in the process of being converted into a commercial premises
    • if a licence holder has died the licence is terminated and a temporary exemption notice may be issued

There are other exemptions covered by law, and not a decision made by the council.
Full details: The selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 (legislation.gov.uk)