Nottingham City Council has introduced new selective licence fees from 1 April 2026, affecting landlords across its citywide selective licensing scheme which covers an estimated 30,000 privately rented homes designated from 1 December 2023. Landlords with existing licences are not required to reapply until their current licence expires. Non-compliance risks civil penalties and rent repayment orders.
New selective licence fees apply from 1 April 2026 under Nottingham City Council's selective licensing scheme. The second scheme of selective licensing started on 1 December 2023. Landlords whose licences have expired can apply immediately, while those with a current licence do not need to reapply until it expires.
Nottingham City Council runs three different licensing schemes: mandatory, additional, and selective from 1 December 2023. The licence required depends on where the property is and how many people or households live there.
The scheme is estimated to cover over 30,000 privately rented homes in the designated area. Landlords with properties across most of the city should use the MyProperty NCC mapping tool to confirm whether their address falls within the designation.
The council can take enforcement action including financial penalties, prosecution, or banning orders against rogue landlords.
Tenants living in the private rented sector whose landlord has broken housing laws may be entitled to reclaim up to 12 months' rent ? or 24 months under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 ? through a Rent Repayment Order. The updated fees represent an increase to ensure the scheme's income matches its projected expenditure, in line with national pay awards and ongoing enforcement costs.
The standard licensing fee for the current scheme is ?887 per property, with a reduced rate of ?665 for accredited landlords under DASH, Unipol, or ANUK. This scheme is part of Nottingham's ongoing commitment to improving standards in privately rented homes. Landlords who are uncertain whether their accreditation remains current, or who have not yet engaged with the scheme since the December 2023 launch, should check their position before the new fee structure results in a higher application cost for non-accredited applicants.
Action required
Landlords applying for a new or renewal selective licence from 1 April 2026 should check the updated fee schedule on the Nottingham City Council website before submitting applications. Use the MyProperty NCC tool to verify whether the property falls within the current designation.
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2026-04-01
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify information against the original source and seek independent professional guidance before acting on any regulatory matter.