Manage Your Licensing Scheme Effortlessly
Selective and additional licensing schemes are the most effective tools councils have for improving PRS standards in specific areas. PRSCheck manages the entire lifecycle, from application to renewal, so your team can focus on enforcement.
Secretary of State approval is no longer required
Since December 2024, local authorities in England no longer need Secretary of State confirmation to introduce selective licensing schemes covering up to 20% of their geographical area or 20% of their privately rented properties. This change, implemented through the Non-Domestic Rating Act 2023 (Commencement No. 4) Regulations 2024, removes a major barrier that previously delayed scheme introductions by 12-18 months.
Councils can now move from consultation to implementation much faster. PRSCheck helps you manage the scheme from day one.
End-to-end scheme management
Application processing
Online application forms pre-populated with property data from PRSCheck. Automated validation checks flag incomplete applications, incorrect fees, or missing documents before officers review them.
Compliance monitoring
Licensed properties are continuously monitored against licence conditions. EPC expiry, gas safety renewal, EICR due dates, and other conditions are tracked with automated alerts to both the landlord and your team.
Renewal management
Automated renewal reminders sent 90, 60, and 30 days before licence expiry. Renewal applications pull forward existing data so landlords only update what has changed.
Unlicensed property detection
PRSCheck cross-references council tax data, EPC records, and Land Registry titles against your licensing register to identify properties in the designated area that should be licensed but are not.
Fee management
Track application fees, penalty charges, and refunds. Export financial reports for your finance team. Support for split-fee models (application fee on submission, licence fee on grant).
Condition compliance auditing
Schedule periodic audits of licensed properties to verify ongoing compliance. Random sampling or risk-based selection ensures resources are focused where they are needed most.
Penalty recovery for unlicensed properties
Operating a property that requires a licence without one is an offence under the Housing Act 2004, section 95(1). Councils can impose civil penalties or prosecute.
£30,000
Maximum civil penalty per offence
£12,000
Typical starting penalty amount
24 months
Rent Repayment Order period
In addition to civil penalties, tenants (or the council for Housing Benefit properties) can apply for Rent Repayment Orders covering up to 24 months of rent. For an unlicensed property charging £1,000/month, that represents up to £24,000 in recoverable rent.
Scheme types supported
Selective licensing
Covers all privately rented properties in a designated area. Introduced under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004. Criteria include low housing demand, antisocial behaviour, poor property conditions, high levels of migration, high deprivation, or high crime.
Additional HMO licensing
Extends mandatory HMO licensing to smaller HMOs that would not otherwise require a licence. Introduced under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004. Covers properties occupied by three or more people forming two or more households.
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