Applications for North Lincolnshire Council’s Selective Licence Scheme open 6 October 2025

Landlords letting properties within the designated areas of Scunthorpe must obtain a Selective Licence. Applications for the Selective Licensing Scheme are open from 6 October 2025 and must be submitted without delay. IMPORTANT: It is an offence to operate a tenancy in an area designated for selective licensing without having a licence or without having submitted a duly made application. The Local Authority will allow a reasonable period of time, at their discretion, for applicants to submit their applications before taking enforcement action for failure to licence. Please note, it is also an offence for an agent to continue to manage a property without a licence. Letting agents with landlord clients in the designated area must register with Home Safe before 6 October, to be added to licence applications.

Register as an Applicant - From 6 Oct Register as an Approved Agent

Applications open in 1 days

North Lincolnshire Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme

North Lincolnshire Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme is located within Scunthorpe, covering the ward areas of Crosby & Park and Town. It was formally designated on 3 October 2024 and came into effect on 20 March 2025.

This means that landlords who privately rent properties in the designated areas of Scunthorpe must apply for a licence. For details about the scheme and the designated areas, please visit the Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme webpage.

The scheme will remain in force until 19 March 2030.

Application Deadline

Delivery of the scheme was delayed due to a legal challenge (Judicial Review), which has now been dismissed by the High Court. Applications open on 6 October 2025 and, once open, must be submitted without delay. The Local Authority will allow a reasonable period of time, at their discretion, for applicants to submit their applications before taking enforcement action for failure to licence.

This page contains step-by-step guidance on registering as an Applicant and applying to be a Licence Holder. 

Agent Registration 

Many landlords appoint letting or managing agents to act on their behalf during the application process and in meeting compliance duties. To enable agents to be added to licence applications, all agents with clients in the designated area are required to register with Home Safe before 6 October 2025. Register as an Approved Agent.

How to Apply for a Licence

To apply for a licence you must submit an application via Home Safe. Please check the FAQ's below to ensure you are the right person applying for a licence and for further information in regards to submitting your application.

Register Step 1 1

Step 1: Register

Before you can apply for a licence, you must first register as an Applicant. This allows us to verify your identity before you begin adding properties and submitting licence applications. As part of the registration process, you’ll need to provide proof of your identity and address. Applications open to landlords on 6 October 2025.

Register Step 2 4

Step 2: Add your Property

Once you’ve registered, you can log in to the portal and add the details of the property or properties you wish to licence.

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Step 3: Apply

For each property, you’ll need to provide information on ownership status, management arrangements, compliance and certification (with supporting evidence), occupancy status, and complete the required declarations. You will then be able to make payment for the Part A fee and submit your application.