0 Stress Selective Licence Application

Selective Licensing is a scheme that requires landlords to obtain a licence from the local council to rent out certain properties. It's designed to improve housing standards and management in specific areas.

Thurrock's Selective Licensing scheme launches on the 5th of January 2026. From this date, it will be mandatory for eligible properties to have a licence. The applications are now open with the benefit of applying early being a quicker processing time by the council.

Our £150 fee covers the application submission and includes floor plans. Additional costs may apply for EICR certificates (£65) and Gas Safety certificates (£29) if you don't already have them. The council also charges their own licence fee separately. We will give you the final cost breakdown in the quote.

No, the scheme applies to 16 out of 20 Thurrock wards. Check with us to confirm if your property falls within the designated licensing area.

If your property is let to a single family or 1-2 people in one of the 16 designated Thurrock wards, you'll need a selective licence. Use our free check service to find out if your property is affected.

No, if your property already has a valid HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licence, you typically don't need a separate selective licence. However, it's best to confirm your specific situation with us.

The licence holder can be the landlord or a nominated party (eg managing agent) responsible for the day-to-day management of the property.

If you are applying from overseas, and wish to be the licence holder, you must nominate a UK-based managing agent who can act on your behalf. This person must be fit and proper and capable of managing the property in line with licensing conditions. The must also complete and sign a declaration confirming they are fit and proper and agree to the conditions attached to the licence. We will get all the paperwork needed for this.

If you live in the property as your main home and rent out a room to a lodger who shares facilities with you (such as the kitchen or bathroom), you would not normally need a selective licence. If part of your home is let as a separate self-contained unit (with its own facilities and tenancy agreement), this will usually fall within the scope of licensing, even if you live in another part of the property. If you have three or more lodgers living with you, the property may be classed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). In that case, you may need an HMO licence.

It is a legal requirement to obtain a selective licence for a property within a designated licensing area. Failure to apply for a licence can result in serious consequences, including: fines up to £30,000; prosecution; having tenants claim up to 12 months of rent back; and being put on the Rogue Tenant list.