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Luton Borough Council

HMO, additional and selective property licensing

Important information

The council have now received a judgment from the Court of Appeal in connection with the claimant’s application for permission to appeal the judgment of the High Court that refused them permission to bring a claim for judicial review in respect of the Selective and Additional Licencing schemes.

The judge has decided that the claimant does have permission to appeal the decision, but only on very limited grounds and a hearing date for that appeal is awaited.

It is very disappointing that there continues to be delay in the council being able to implement these schemes as a result of these legal challenges, but we are continuing to defend our position.

 

Important message about licence renewals

We've recently moved to a new platform called ‘Metastreet’ for licence applications. The historical data on our previous platform has not yet been migrated over, so when applying for a renewal, please use the ‘new application’ tab. Future renewals will be available on the’ renew’ tab.

Mandatory HMO licensing

The mandatory HMO licensing scheme continues. You'll need a licence if you own or manage a property anywhere in Luton and it is occupied by five or more persons, forming two or more households who share common amenities like a bathroom or kitchen.

Please visit our HMO page with advice for landlords and how to apply

Additional licensing

Additional licensing will apply to all areas of Luton. The mandatory HMO licensing scheme continues. However the additional licensing scheme means that you'll also require a licence if:

  • you own or manage a property anywhere in Luton and:
    • it's occupied by three or four persons
    • it forms two or more households who share common amenities like a bathroom or kitchen

Find out more about additional licensing

Selective licensing

The selective licensing scheme will apply to the Town Centre and Park Town areas of Luton.

When the scheme is in force, having control of or managing a property let as residential accommodation without a licence shall be a criminal offence:

  • liable to prosecution
  • upon summary, conviction liable to a fine of an unlimited amount

Find out more about selective licensing

Contact info
Private Sector Housing Enforcement
4th Floor Town Hall Extension, Luton, LU1 2BQ


[email protected]

 

© 2025 Luton Council, Town Hall, Luton LU1 2BQ