Selective Licensing

Selective Licensing Conditions

As a landlord applying for a Selective Licence in Mansfield, it’s important you understand what’s expected of you. I’ve provided a brief summary of the main licensing conditions below to help you check your responsibilities and prepare for compliance. This isn’t a full list, so please make sure you read the complete set of conditions linked at the bottom of this page, before submitting your application.

Selective Licensing – Summary of Key Conditions

For applicants – Mansfield District Council

This summary outlines the core responsibilities of landlords under the Selective Licensing Scheme. It is not exhaustive. The full licensing conditions can be found at the link provided below.

1. Health and Safety Requirements

  • Gas Safety: An annual Gas Safety Certificate must be obtained by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A copy must be given to the tenant and the Council.
  • Electrical Safety: Electrical installations must be safe. A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required every five years. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) should be carried out where appropriate.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey; carbon monoxide alarms must be provided where there is a solid fuel appliance. All alarms must be tested and maintained.
  • Furniture and Furnishings: Any furniture provided must comply with fire safety regulations. A declaration of safety must be available on request.

2. Tenancy Management and Documentation

  • A written tenancy agreement must be in place, covering rent, deposit arrangements, start/end dates, location of stop taps, council tax, utility responsibilities, and rent review processes.
  • Landlords must carry out reference checks on prospective tenants and retain copies for 12 months.
  • Tenants must be informed of responsibilities relating to nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

3. Property Condition and Repairs

  • Properties must be kept in good repair both internally and externally, including boundary walls, roofs, gutters, and gardens.
  • A clear procedure for reporting repairs must be given to tenants, including emergency contacts and response times.
  • Landlords must give a minimum of 24 hours’ written notice for access (except in emergencies), and seek written agreement for major works.

4. Refuse and Waste Management

  • Sufficient bins for general and recycling waste must be provided.
  • Tenants must be advised on collection schedules and storage procedures.
  • Landlords are responsible for clearing fly-tipping or excessive waste and must retain waste transfer notes on request.

5. Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

  • Tenants must be provided with information on acceptable behaviour and how to report ASB.
  • Landlords must act promptly on complaints, liaising with the Council or police where necessary.
  • Contact information must be provided to neighbouring properties.

6. Licence Holder Responsibilities

  • Any changes to the licence holder’s or property’s details (including ownership or management) must be reported to the Council within 14 to 28 days.
  • Licence holders and managing agents must be deemed ‘fit and proper’ and notify the Council of any relevant convictions or disqualifications.
  • Landlords must ensure there is 24/7 emergency cover, with clear display of emergency contact information in the property.
  • If not undertaken in the last three years, landlords must complete approved training (e.g. DASH, NRLA, EMPO) within 12 months of the licence being granted.

Full licensing conditions can be found here:
https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/downloads/file/6786/appendix-7-selective-licesning-conditions

What is HHSRS and Why it Matters Under Selective Licensing

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the legal standard the Council uses to assess housing conditions. As a landlord, you must ensure your property is free from serious hazards such as damp, poor heating, fire risks or electrical faults. Under Selective Licensing, compliance with HHSRS is essential to meet your legal obligations and maintain safe, well-managed homes. Familiarity with HHSRS will help you avoid enforcement action and support better property standards across Mansfield.

Learn more about HHSRS – GOV.UK