Do I need a landlord licence in Blackburn with Darwen?

In Blackburn with Darwen, the national mandatory HMO rules always apply — and whether extra local licensing affects you depends on the council’s current schemes below.

Mandatory HMO licensing (national)

Yes, everywhere in England

This is national law, not a council choice: any property rented to 5 or more people who form 2 or more separate households is a licensable HMO anywhere in England. If that describes your property, you need a licence from the council whether or not it runs any local scheme.

Official council source →

Selective licensing in Blackburn with Darwen

None that we know of

No selective licensing designation is currently in force. Earlier designations (Infirmary and Central Darwen, designated 2008; a Darwen area in force from 16 May 2017) have expired, and a proposed 'Hollins Bank' scheme covering parts of Ewood and Mill Hill & Moorgate was consulted on in summer 2024 but its declaration was formally postponed by Executive Member Decision on 31 January 2025. The council's Housing Strategy 2026-2036 lists "Consider the use of Selective Licensing schemes or similar" as a future action (A60). As of our last check we found no selective licensing scheme in Blackburn with Darwen — but always confirm on the council’s page, because councils can designate new schemes at any time.

Official council source →

Additional HMO licensing in Blackburn with Darwen

None that we know of

No additional HMO licensing scheme is in force; only mandatory licensing under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 applies. The Housing Strategy 2026-2036 states the council "will also consider introducing an additional licensing scheme for HMOs" covering 3-4 bedspace properties (action A66, short-medium term). As of our last check we found no additional licensing scheme in Blackburn with Darwen — but always confirm on the council’s page, because councils can designate new schemes at any time.

Official council source →

Is your exact property covered?

Designations in Blackburn with Darwen can run street by street. Check where your property stands in 3 minutes — free, no account.

Get your free compliance scoreFull audit + call — £99

Common questions

Do I need a landlord licence in Blackburn with Darwen?
It depends on the property: larger HMOs (5 or more people from 2 or more households) always need a mandatory licence anywhere in England, and Blackburn with Darwen’s own selective or additional schemes can extend licensing to other rentals — see the current position above.
What happens if I let an unlicensed property in Blackburn with Darwen?
Letting a licensable property without a licence is a criminal offence: unlimited fines on conviction or civil penalties of up to £30,000, a rent repayment order of up to 12 months’ rent, and restrictions on regaining possession.
How do I check if my exact address is inside a licensing area?
Designations are often street-by-street. Check the map or address checker on Blackburn with Darwen’s licensing pages (linked above), or take our free compliance score and we’ll flag licensing as something to verify for your property.
How much does a landlord licence cost?
Fees are set per council and per scheme, typically several hundred pounds per property for a five-year licence. Blackburn with Darwen’s current fees are on the official page linked above.
Can LetClerk handle the licence application for me?
Yes — checking your address against current schemes and preparing the application is part of our done-for-you compliance service. Start with the free score or the £99 audit and we’ll take it from there.