Liverpool residents invited to shape future of landlord licensing scheme
Liverpool residents are being encouraged to have their say on proposals designed to improve housing standards, protect tenants and strengthen communities across the city.
Liverpool City Council has launched a 10-week consultation on the future of Selective Licensing, known locally as Landlord Licensing, which requires landlords in designated areas to obtain a licence and meet standards covering property management, housing conditions and tenant safety.
The current scheme is due to end in March 2027, and the Council is now seeking the views of residents, tenants, landlords and community organisations before deciding what should replace it.
The consultation, which is being independently managed by Opinion Research Services, will remain open until Monday 5 October 2026.
Since the existing scheme was introduced in April 2022, more than 56,000 licence applications have been submitted and over 48,000 licences have been granted.
Council officers have also completed more than 19,000 property inspections, identifying over 3,500 housing hazards and issuing more than 1,100 enforcement notices.
Despite this work, evidence gathered by the Council suggests that some neighbourhoods continue to experience problems linked to poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour, deprivation and wider neighbourhood decline.
Three potential options for a future licensing scheme are now being considered.
The first would introduce a citywide scheme covering all 64 Liverpool wards, with the aim of creating consistent standards across the city and addressing issues associated with low housing demand.
A second option would cover 29 wards experiencing some of the highest levels of deprivation, where poor housing conditions and wider social challenges are considered more prevalent.
The third proposal would focus on 26 wards with higher concentrations of privately rented homes and evidence of disrepair or poorer property conditions.
Residents are also being asked for their views on proposed licence conditions, fees and potential discounts.
The Council says feedback from local communities will help shape how any future scheme operates and ensure it responds to the experiences of people living in privately rented homes and the neighbourhoods most affected by housing-related issues.
People can take part by completing an online questionnaire, attending a consultation event, requesting an information pack or submitting a written response.
The consultation closes on Monday 5 October 2026.
To view the consultation documents and complete the questionnaire, visit: https://liverpool.gov.uk/selectivelicensingconsultation.
Councillor Hetty Wood, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe, well-managed home and responsible landlords deserve a level playing field.
“Selective Licensing has helped us identify poor housing conditions, tackle non-compliance and improve standards across Liverpool’s private rented sector. However, we know there is still more work to do.
“This consultation is an opportunity for everyone with an interest in housing in Liverpool to tell us what they think. Whether you are a tenant, landlord, managing agent, business, community organisation or resident, we want to hear your views before any decision is made.”
