Selective licensing: scheme to improve communities ramps up as deadline for registration looms

Landlords across parts of Scunthorpe are being urged to register now as North Lincolnshire’s Selective Licensing Scheme continues to gather pace – driving up housing standards and helping create cleaner, safer neighbourhoods.

Since the scheme went live in October, more than 200 properties have already been added to the system, with strong demand from landlords attending council-run workshops to understand how to get involved.

A formal registration deadline of 6 January 2026 is now in place.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is about delivering decent homes, safer streets and stronger, more stable communities – things that matters to residents.

“We have already seen encouraging early engagement from landlords who recognise that raising standards benefits everyone.

“As more landlords sign up, we move another step closer to ensuring every family in these areas can live in a home that is safe, well-managed and part of a neighbourhood people feel proud of.”

The scheme – covering private rented homes in parts of Crosby & Park and Town wards – targets the small number of landlords and tenants whose neglect fuels anti-social behaviour and undermines community pride.

By requiring licences, it ensures properties are maintained to a proper standard and tenants act responsibly, while supporting responsible landlords to continue doing the right thing.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults, health and communities, added: “We know most landlords provide good homes, and they have been quick to come forward. This scheme gives us the tools to deal with the small minority who don’t – and residents are already seeing the benefit of a more proactive, more consistent approach to raising standards.

“We will keep working with landlords and partners to deliver lasting improvements in the homes and communities that people call home.”

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Home Safe and runs until March 2030.

Landlords operating in the designated areas must register and apply for their licence before 6 January 2026.

Full details and how to apply are available on the Home Safe website.