Do I need a landlord licence in Burnley?

Yes — some rentals in Burnley need a licence beyond the national HMO rules. Whether yours does depends on the property’s address and who lives there.

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 Burnley

Yes — a scheme is in force

Two selective licensing designations are currently in force: Burnley Wood with Healey Wood and the Leyland Road area, running 21 July 2022 to 20 July 2027; and Trinity, Queensgate, Gannow, Daneshouse and Stoneyholme, and Padiham, running 27 April 2025 to 26 April 2030. A consultation closing 18 October 2026 proposes redesignating the 2022 areas and adding a new area around Lyndhurst Road. If your property falls inside the designation, letting it without a selective licence is a criminal offence. Schemes change and new designations appear, so always confirm on the council’s own page before relying on this.

Official council source →

Additional HMO licensing in Burnley

None that we know of

The council states plainly that "There is currently no additional HMO licensing scheme in the Borough of Burnley"; only mandatory HMO licensing applies. An Article 4 Direction restricting HMO conversions took effect on 14 October 2024, but that is a planning control rather than licensing. As of our last check we found no additional licensing scheme in Burnley — 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 Burnley 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 Burnley?
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 Burnley’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 Burnley?
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 Burnley’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. Burnley’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.