Selective licensing
Selective licensing in Burnley, explained
Let a home in a licensing area and it must be licensed by the council. We’ve helped landlords meet Burnley’s rules since the first scheme.
Quick check
Do I need a licence?
Scheme timeline
Burnley’s licensing areas at a glance
Burnley Council consulted from 3 August to 18 October 2026 on renewing the Burnley Wood with Healey Wood and Leyland Road schemes and adding a new Lyndhurst Road area. We’ll update this page when the council decides.
What is selective licensing?
A council scheme under the Housing Act 2004. In a designated area every privately rented home needs a licence, with conditions on property standards, tenant referencing and management.
Up to £30,000 penalty
Letting without a licence, or breaking its conditions, is a criminal offence.
Pendle: Nelson, Colne and Brierfield
Pendle Borough Council sets its own rules. We’ll confirm whether your property needs a licence before you let it.
For tenants
What licensing means if you rent
If you rent in a licensing area, your landlord must hold a licence for your home.
Safety checks
Current gas and electrical safety certificates.
Repairs handled
Disrepair must be dealt with properly.
Licence conditions
You can ask to see them.
Every RPC-managed home in a licensing area is licensed. Concerned about your home? Contact us first, or Burnley Council’s licensing team on 01282 475810 or landlords@burnley.gov.uk.
Source: Burnley Borough Council selective licensing pages, checked October 2026. Always check the council’s current boundary maps before letting.
Letting in a licensing area?
We’ve helped landlords meet Burnley’s requirements since the first scheme. Let us guide you through it.
Get in touch
Have a property to let, looking for a home, or unhappy with your current agent? Our Burnley office is open five days a week.
- Phone
- 01282 459 459
- Office
- 20-22 Briercliffe Road, Burnley, BB10 1XB
