Great Yarmouth's Selective Licensing Scheme: What Landlords Need to Know

Great Yarmouth’s Selective Licensing Scheme: What Landlords Need to Know

From 1 April 2026, a new Selective Licensing Scheme will come into force across parts of Great Yarmouth. For landlords with rental properties in the area, understanding how this scheme works and ensuring your property complies will be essential to avoid penalties and maintain a smooth tenancy.

At Minors & Brady, we’re committed to keeping landlords informed about regulatory changes that affect the private rental sector. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming scheme and how it may impact your property portfolio.

What Is Selective Licensing?

Selective licensing is a regulatory scheme introduced by local councils to improve housing standards and property management within the private rented sector. Under these schemes, landlords must obtain a licence from the local authority before renting out their property in designated areas.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has confirmed that the new scheme will begin on 1 April 2026 and run for five years until March 2031.

The aim is to ensure that privately rented homes are safe, well managed and meet required legal standards, while also helping councils tackle issues such as poor housing conditions and overcrowding.

Which Areas Are Affected?

The scheme will apply to privately rented properties located in:

• Nelson Ward
• Central and Northgate Ward
• Southtown and Cobholm Ward
• Selected streets within Yarmouth North Ward

In total, the scheme could cover around 5,000 privately rented homes, representing a large proportion of the borough’s rental sector.

If your property falls within one of these areas, you will likely need to apply for a licence before renting it out.

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

If your property is within the designated area, you must apply for a licence through the Homesafe Scheme. This licence confirms that:

• The property meets legal safety standards 
• The landlord is considered a ‘fit and proper person’ to manage rental housing
• The property is properly managed and maintained
• Necessary certificates and documentation (such as gas safety and electrical checks) are in place

The licence fee is £694 per property for a 5 year licence. 

What Happens If You Don’t Apply?

Operating a rental property that requires a licence without obtaining one can lead to serious consequences.

Landlords may face:

• Unlimited fines or civil penalties
• Rent Repayment Orders requiring repayment of up to 24 months of rent
• Possible enforcement action from the council

These penalties highlight the importance of ensuring your property is properly licensed and compliant.

Why Are Councils Introducing Selective Licensing?

Local authorities introduce selective licensing to improve housing conditions and ensure responsible property management across the private rental sector.

In Great Yarmouth, the council has stated that the scheme will allow them to systematically inspect properties and ensure safety requirements such as gas and electrical certificates are up to date, rather than relying solely on tenant complaints.

Ultimately, the goal is to raise standards across the sector and ensure tenants have access to safe, well-managed homes.

How Our Property Management Can Help

With evolving regulations, licensing requirements and compliance obligations, being a landlord is becoming increasingly complex.

That’s where professional property management can make a real difference.

At Minors & Brady, our experienced team works closely with landlords to ensure their properties remain fully compliant with local regulations, including licensing schemes like the one being introduced in Great Yarmouth.

Our property management service can help by:

• Advising whether your property requires a licence
• Assisting with licence applications and compliance requirements
• Managing safety certificates and documentation
• Handling tenant communication and property inspections
• Ensuring your property is managed in line with current legislation

This allows you to enjoy the benefits of your investment without the stress of navigating changing regulations.

Preparing for April 2026

With the scheme launching in April 2026, landlords should start preparing now by:

• Checking whether their property falls within the licensing area
• Reviewing compliance documents (EPC, gas safety, electrical checks etc.)
• Planning for the licence application and fee

If you’re unsure whether your property will be affected or would like support managing your investment, the team at Minors & Brady is here to help.

✅ Need advice or looking for a fully managed service?

Our expert team can guide you through licensing requirements and take care of the day-to-day management of your property, giving you complete peace of mind.

Contact Minors & Brady Lettings Team today to find out how we can support you.
Tel: 01502 447788
Email: lettings@minorsandbrady.co.uk