What is selective licensing?
Selective Licensing is a scheme that requires landlords to license certain privately rented properties located within designated areas of the Mansfield District. A privately rented property may fall under Selective Licensing if it meets any of the following criteria:
- It is occupied by a single tenant.
- It is occupied by multiple tenants who together form one household (e.g., a family).
- It is occupied by two unrelated individuals who form two separate households (e.g., two friends).
If your property does not meet the above criteria—such as being occupied by three or more unrelated individuals forming separate households—it may instead fall under a different licensing scheme (for example, Additional or Mandatory HMO Licensing).
The application fee is a one-off payment and covers the property until the scheme ends in September 2030.
Selective Licensing Mansfield District Council
Quick Guide
A quick guide explaining Mansfield District Council’s new Selective Licensing scheme – why it’s needed, where it applies, what it involves, how it will work, and the benefits for everyone who lives or invests in the designated areas.
Why?
- The designated neighbourhoods record some of the district’s highest crime and anti‑social behaviour rates.
- A 2020 Building Research Establishment survey found a high proportion of privately‑rented homes in the areas contain a Category 1 hazard
- Poor housing conditions and short‑term lettings can destabilise communities and discourage investment.
Where?
Selective Licensing applies to privately‑rented properties in five areas covering parts of:
- Area 1: Steets within Central ward
- Area 2: Streets within West Bank & Wainwright wards
- Area 3: Streets within Market Warsop ward
- Area 4: Streets within Eakring & Rock Hill wards
- Area 5: Streets within Centra & Bancroft wards
Check out the maps on the councils Selective Licensing webpages: Selective Licensing – Mansfield District Council
What?
A five‑year licensing scheme that requires every privately‑rented home in the designated areas to hold a licence. Landlords must:
- Meet minimum property standards (no Category 1 hazards).
- Manage tenancies responsibly and react promptly to complaints.
- Pass a fit‑and‑proper‑person test.
Licence fee: £800 (one‑off). Early‑bird and accredited‑landlord discounts reduce this to £650. The payment covers the full five‑year period – no annual renewals.
When? Key Dates
- Online application portal opens — 12 June 2025.
- Monthly drop-in sessions to answer questions and help with applications
- Scheme enforceable from — 13 September 2025.
- The scheme lasts until 12th September 2030
How?
The Council will deliver the scheme through:
- A dedicated Selective Licensing team providing advice, inspections and compliance checks.
- Joint operations with Community Safety, Environmental Health and Nottinghamshire Police to tackle anti‑social behaviour.
- Targeted enforcement for non‑compliant landlords, including civil penalties and Rent Repayment Orders.
- Landlord support events and online resources to help good landlords meet standards.
What’s in it for?
Tenants
- Safer, healthier homes are free from serious hazards.
- Quicker repairs and stronger action on nuisance behaviour.
- More stable neighbourhoods.
Landlords
- Level playing field – rogue operators can’t undercut compliant landlords.
- Higher demand and potentially higher rents/values as areas improve.
- Direct access to Council expertise and support.
Neighbourhood and Businesses
- Reduced nuisance, litter and noise.
- Improved street appearance and investment confidence.
Wider Community
- Stronger economy, healthier residents and a better local reputation.