Get your
Property Licensed
today!
Draft started
Plan Prepared
Application Submitted
Under Review
Licence Granted
If you have a rental property, it might need a selective, additional or HMO licence. We can help you get licensed and avoid any penalties from the council.
If you have a rental property, it might need a selective, additional or HMO licence. We can help you get licensed and avoid any penalties from the council.
Fast
Cheap
100% compliant
Trusted by hundreds of customers
Trusted by hundreds of customers
From the application to submission everything was flawless. We got our licence without hassle. I highly recommend Barnab. Thank you so much.
JS
Jennifer Smith
I had a great experience with Barnab. They took all the stress out of a process I had been dreading. Highly recommend them to anyone going through the application process.
SM
Sophie Morrison
From the application to submission everything was flawless. We got our licence without hassle. I highly recommend Barnab. Thank you so much.
TF
Tobias Farrow
I can’t recommend Barnab highly enough. Our application approved in just a few weeks, with full support and guidance throughout. Super efficient, cost-effective, and seamless.
PM
Paolo M.
About Property Licences
When do I need a property licence?
When do I need a property licence?
This depends on your council and the type of rental that you want to run.
Check out the latest rule changes under Renters Rights Act 2025 - our Complete Guide to HMO and Property Licensing Changes.
This depends on your council and the type of rental that you want to run.
Check out the latest rule changes under Renters Rights Act 2025 - our Complete Guide to HMO and Property Licensing Changes.
We will identify the licence that you need. This will be based on the following:
We will identify the licence that you need. This will be based on the following:
The licensing regime of your council
(if they have selective, additional or HMO licences)
The type of tenants you will have
(single household or multiple households)
The number of tenants you will have
(multiple households with 5+ people always need HMO licence)
Selective Licence
Key Information
Here’s what you need to know about the whole process
Key Information
Time for licence grant
4-8 weeks
Licence Duration
5 years
Barnab fee
£250 + VAT
Council fee (approximate)
£900
What would you typically need to do?
To get your Property Licence you need to:
Requirements
Check council standards
Carefully review all the minimum requirements across a wide range of considirations the council will use in their evaluation.
Implement necessary changes
If you don't meet the minimum requirements, you must make the changes necessary so that you do.
Prepare all documents
Your floor plan, safety certificates, tenancy agreement.
Fill out a detailed application form
Including information about all stakeholders related to the property and detailed overview of all rooms and amenities.
How do we help?
Step by step overview of how we make this simple.
Step 3 - Apply
Automatically apply
We will tell you if you need to make any changes to the property and apply to the council.
Step 2 - Scan
Scan your property
Instead of having to manually checking compliance with each requirement.
Step 1 - Answer
Answer simple questions
Instead of long confusing forms, we guide you through a simple, conversational chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Something’s not clear? You will find an answer below!
FAQ
What is selective licensing?
Selective licensing is a council-imposed scheme under the Housing Act 2004 that requires landlords renting out properties in designated areas to obtain a licence. It aims to improve housing standards, tackle anti-social behaviour, and ensure properties are properly managed. Each council decides which areas are covered.
What is the difference between a selective licence and an HMO licence?
A selective licence covers properties rented to a single person, couple, or family in a designated area. An HMO licence is required when a property is rented to three or more people from two or more separate households who share facilities. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more people from multiple households.
Do I need both a selective licence and planning permission?
Usually not. Selective licensing is about managing rental standards, not property use. Planning permission is rarely needed unless you’re changing the building's use. We’ll check what applies to your property — free of charge.
What documents do I need to apply for a selective licence?
You typically need a gas safety certificate, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a floor plan showing fire exits and smoke alarms, proof of landlord identity, and your current tenancy agreement. Barnab tells you exactly what's needed and reviews everything before submission.
How long does it take to get a selective licence?
Most councils take 4–8 weeks to grant a selective licence after receiving a valid application. With Barnab, your application is prepared quickly so there are no delays caused by missing documents or incomplete forms.
How much are the council fees?
Council fees vary but are typically around £900 for a selective licence. This is paid directly to the council and is separate from Barnab's service fee of £150 + VAT. Some councils offer discounts for accredited landlords or early applications.
Do I need a floor plan?
Yes. Most councils require a floor plan showing the layout of the property, including fire exits, smoke alarms, heat detectors, and room dimensions. It does not need to be professionally drawn — a clear hand-drawn plan is usually acceptable. Barnab can guide you on what to include.
Can I apply for a selective licence myself?
Yes, you can apply directly through your council's online portal. However, the forms are detailed and councils often reject incomplete applications, causing delays. Barnab handles the entire process — from compliance checks to document preparation and submission — so nothing is missed.
How do I check if my property needs a selective licence?
Check your local council's website for their selective licensing designation map or postcode checker. Not all councils operate selective licensing, and those that do only cover specific areas. Barnab can check this for you during a free consultation.
What happens if I rent without a property licence?
Renting without a required licence is a criminal offence. You could face an unlimited fine on prosecution or a civil penalty of up to £30,000. Tenants can also apply for a rent repayment order to reclaim up to 12 months' rent, and you cannot use a Section 21 notice to evict tenants while unlicensed.
What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the council will explain why. Common reasons include missing documents, incomplete forms, or the property not meeting minimum standards. Barnab ensures your application is fully compliant before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.
How long does a selective licence last?
A selective licence typically lasts five years from the date of issue. You must apply to renew before it expires. Some councils may issue shorter licences in certain circumstances.
Do I need a separate licence for each property?
Yes. Property licences are issued per property, not per landlord. If you own or manage multiple rental properties in a designated area, each one requires its own licence application and fee.
How does Barnab help with property licensing?
Barnab guides you through a simple chat instead of complex council forms. We check which licence your property needs, scan your property for compliance, prepare all documents including your floor plan, and handle the council submission — all for £150 + VAT for selective licences or £400 + VAT for HMO licences.
Choose plan
Selective Licence
Your tenants are either 1-2 people or a family.
Additional HMO Licence
Your teenants are 3-4 people from more than 1 household.
Mandatory HMO Licence
Your teenants are 5 or more people from more than 1 household.
Total
£150
+ VAT
No complicated forms
100% accurate and hassle-free
Would you like to speak to us?
Choose a time, and we will give you a callback for a free 10-minute consultation!
Selective Licence
Key Information
Here’s what you need to know about the whole process
Key Information
Time for licence grant
4-8 weeks
Licence Duration
5 years
Barnab fee
£250 + VAT
Council fee (approximate)
£900
What would you typically need to do?
To get your Property Licence you need to:
Requirements
Check council standards
Carefully review all the minimum requirements across a wide range of considirations the council will use in their evaluation.
Implement necessary changes
If you don't meet the minimum requirements, you must make the changes necessary so that you do.
Prepare all documents
Your floor plan, safety certificates, tenancy agreement.
Fill out a detailed application form
Including information about all stakeholders related to the property and detailed overview of all rooms and amenities.
How do we help?
Step by step overview of how we make this simple.
Step 3 - Apply
Automatically apply
We will tell you if you need to make any changes to the property and apply to the council.
Step 2 - Scan
Scan your property
Instead of having to manually checking compliance with each requirement.
Step 1 - Answer
Answer simple questions
Instead of long confusing forms, we guide you through a simple, conversational chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Something’s not clear? You will find an answer below!
FAQ
What is selective licensing?
Selective licensing is a council-imposed scheme under the Housing Act 2004 that requires landlords renting out properties in designated areas to obtain a licence. It aims to improve housing standards, tackle anti-social behaviour, and ensure properties are properly managed. Each council decides which areas are covered.
What is the difference between a selective licence and an HMO licence?
A selective licence covers properties rented to a single person, couple, or family in a designated area. An HMO licence is required when a property is rented to three or more people from two or more separate households who share facilities. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more people from multiple households.
Do I need both a selective licence and planning permission?
Usually not. Selective licensing is about managing rental standards, not property use. Planning permission is rarely needed unless you’re changing the building's use. We’ll check what applies to your property — free of charge.
What documents do I need to apply for a selective licence?
You typically need a gas safety certificate, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a floor plan showing fire exits and smoke alarms, proof of landlord identity, and your current tenancy agreement. Barnab tells you exactly what's needed and reviews everything before submission.
How long does it take to get a selective licence?
Most councils take 4–8 weeks to grant a selective licence after receiving a valid application. With Barnab, your application is prepared quickly so there are no delays caused by missing documents or incomplete forms.
How much are the council fees?
Council fees vary but are typically around £900 for a selective licence. This is paid directly to the council and is separate from Barnab's service fee of £150 + VAT. Some councils offer discounts for accredited landlords or early applications.
Do I need a floor plan?
Yes. Most councils require a floor plan showing the layout of the property, including fire exits, smoke alarms, heat detectors, and room dimensions. It does not need to be professionally drawn — a clear hand-drawn plan is usually acceptable. Barnab can guide you on what to include.
Can I apply for a selective licence myself?
Yes, you can apply directly through your council's online portal. However, the forms are detailed and councils often reject incomplete applications, causing delays. Barnab handles the entire process — from compliance checks to document preparation and submission — so nothing is missed.
How do I check if my property needs a selective licence?
Check your local council's website for their selective licensing designation map or postcode checker. Not all councils operate selective licensing, and those that do only cover specific areas. Barnab can check this for you during a free consultation.
What happens if I rent without a property licence?
Renting without a required licence is a criminal offence. You could face an unlimited fine on prosecution or a civil penalty of up to £30,000. Tenants can also apply for a rent repayment order to reclaim up to 12 months' rent, and you cannot use a Section 21 notice to evict tenants while unlicensed.
What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, the council will explain why. Common reasons include missing documents, incomplete forms, or the property not meeting minimum standards. Barnab ensures your application is fully compliant before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.
How long does a selective licence last?
A selective licence typically lasts five years from the date of issue. You must apply to renew before it expires. Some councils may issue shorter licences in certain circumstances.
Do I need a separate licence for each property?
Yes. Property licences are issued per property, not per landlord. If you own or manage multiple rental properties in a designated area, each one requires its own licence application and fee.
How does Barnab help with property licensing?
Barnab guides you through a simple chat instead of complex council forms. We check which licence your property needs, scan your property for compliance, prepare all documents including your floor plan, and handle the council submission — all for £150 + VAT for selective licences or £400 + VAT for HMO licences.
Choose plan
Selective Licence
Your tenants are either 1-2 people or a family.
Additional HMO Licence
Your teenants are 3-4 people from more than 1 household.
Mandatory HMO Licence
Your teenants are 5 or more people from more than 1 household.
Total
£150
+ VAT
Would you like to speak to us?
Choose a time, and we will give you a callback for a free 10-minute consultation!
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Contact email: [email protected]
Contact email: [email protected]
Contact email: [email protected]