What is Selective Licensing?
It’s a scheme where landlords must have a licence with licence conditions, which encourages professional management of rented properties in certain areas. This gives the Council powers to make sure:
- Homes are safe and well-maintained.
- Are managed by professional landlords
- Tenants are treated fairly
- Problem properties can be addressed more quickly, improving neighbourhoods
What could it mean for your area?
- Additional proactive services from council and partners
- Faster repairs and better housing conditions.
- More landlord accountability.
- Reduced anti-social behaviour.
- A cleaner, safer, better place to live.
What did the previous scheme achieve?
The previous scheme, which ran from 2020 to April 2025, delivered significant results:
- Over 2,300 properties were inspected, requiring landlords to address more than 8,000 hazards.
- 13% of properties (1 in 7) were found to have the most serious Category 1 hazards.
- 155 Emergency Prohibition Notices were issued in circumstances where properties were unsafe for habitation.
- More than 2,000 cases of anti-social behaviour and nuisance were addressed, and £40 million worth of illegal cannabis grows were seized.
- 15 successful prosecutions were undertaken, while a further 23 cases are ongoing.
What areas are impacted?
If approved, the scheme will cover 10 areas of the borough, including:
- Rotherham town centre
- Eastwood
- Clifton
- Boston Castle
- Masbrough
- Kimberworth
- Thurcroft
- Dinnington
- Brinsworth
- Parkgate
All these areas have been identified as having poor property conditions or high levels of deprivation
