Leicester Selective Licence Conditions and Property Inspections

Getting the licence is not the end of the process. Every selective licence in Leicester comes with a set of conditions that run for the full term, and the council inspects licensed properties to verify compliance. Breaching conditions is an offence: prosecution can result in an unlimited fine on summary conviction, or the council may issue a civil penalty of up to £40,000 for an offence committed on or after 1 May 2026.

The Standard Conditions

Leicester City Council attaches conditions to every selective licence under Schedule 4 of the Housing Act 2004. These are not optional extras — they are legally binding requirements:

Gas safety — you must maintain a current gas safety certificate at all times and supply it to the council within 28 days of any written demand. The certificate must be renewed annually.

Electrical safety — the electrical installation must be maintained in safe working order. A valid EICR with a satisfactory rating must be available and supplied to the council within 28 days of demand.

Fire detection — mains-powered interlinked smoke alarms compliant with BS 5839-6 must be installed throughout the property. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in every room with a solid fuel, gas or oil-burning appliance. Battery-only alarms do not satisfy the condition.

Tenancy management — all occupants must have written terms of occupancy. Your tenancy agreement must include anti-social behaviour clauses, and you are required to investigate tenant complaints, issue formal warnings where necessary and cooperate with Leicestershire Police and council ASB officers.

Waste management — you must provide adequate refuse storage and ensure tenants follow the council's collection schedule. External waste accumulation is a common trigger for licence condition enforcement action.

Property Inspections

The council typically inspects licensed properties at least once during the licence term, and may inspect more frequently where compliance concerns exist. Inspections can be physical visits or virtual assessments. The inspector checks for:

• HHSRS hazards (excess cold, damp and mould, fire safety defects, trip hazards, electrical problems)
• Compliance with licence conditions
• Maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems
• General property condition and any structural issues

Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System will delay or prevent Stage 2 of the licence being granted if found during the initial inspection. During the licence term, unremedied Category 1 hazards can trigger formal enforcement notices under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004, independent of the licensing regime.

What Triggers an Additional Inspection?

Beyond the routine scheduled inspection, the council may visit if:

• A tenant complaints about property conditions or anti-social behaviour
• Neighbouring residents or community teams report problems
• Intelligence matching (the council cross-references licensing data with council tax, housing benefit and environmental health records)
• Joint operations with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue or the police

You must allow reasonable access for inspection. Obstructing an authorised officer is a separate offence.

Licence Variations

If anything changes during the term — a new managing agent, structural alterations, changes to maximum occupancy — you must apply for a formal licence variation. Check with the council whether a fee applies to your variation; failing to notify required changes is a licence condition breach.

The Landlord Licensing in Leicester guide includes a compliance calendar that tracks when each certificate expires and what the council expects at each inspection stage.

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