Selective Licensing Schemes SLS
Selective licensing gives local authorities the power to introduce licensing for all privately rented properties in a given area. The area subject to a selective licensing scheme (SLS), can apply to a whole ward, or just a street where by all private landlords must obtain a licence.
Where a council has a Selective licencing scheme (SLS) in place it is possible under certain circumstance for an Interim Management Order (IMO) to be enforced, this being a power under the Housing Act 2004, whereby local councils can effectively take over the role of a landlord that is failing to meet standards required. When a management order is in place the council steps into the shoes of the landlord and collects rent from the existing tenants, can use this for upkeep and can even create new tenancies during the life of the order, which is up to 12 months.
See Selective licensing in the private rented sector A guide for local authorities published by Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government for further information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Agricultural tenancy.
- Break clauses in leases.
- Buy-to-let mortgage.
- Commonhold.
- Derogation from grant.
- Electrical safety in the private rented sector.
- Energy efficiency regulations: The challenges for landlords.
- Failure to notify tenant.
- Freehold.
- Ground rent.
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
- Housing Act 2004.
- Housing tenure.
- How to evict a tenant.
- Landlord.
- Landlord and Tenant Act.
- Lease negotiations.
- Leasehold.
- Leasehold covenants.
- Licensing buildings.
- Occupier.
- Owner occupier.
- Property guardianship.
- Quiet enjoyment.
- Rent.
- Rent free period.
- Rent review.
- Right to rent.
- Section 13 notice.
- Section 21 notice.
- Tenancy deposit protection.
- Tenant.
- Vacant possession.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.