Selective property licensing exemptions

Part of: Selective property licensing

Some tenancies and licences to occupy a property are exempt from selective licensing. You can find these under the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006.

Temporary exemptions

We will only grant a temporary exemption notice (TEN) in certain circumstances and for certain reasons.

We will not grant a TEN if the application has been made to avoid licensing or enforcement action. The application must be made in a timely manner.

All applications must have supporting evidence.

We may grant a TEN if:

  1. the property is in the process of being sold
  2. the owner has given the tenants notice and the property will be sold
  3. the owner is moving into the property and it will only be occupied by the owner and their family (if any) and no more than two tenants
  4. the property is in the process of being converted into studios/flats or commercial premises with planning and building control approvals
  5. receivers take over the property following default on mortgage
  6. the licence holder has died and the property is subject to probate – we will grant an automatic 3-month exemption from the date of death and no initial application is required. A TEN may be required when the initial 3-month exemption ends

Exemptions 1 to 4 will only be considered if the application has been made at the start of a new designation coming into force.

A temporary exemption notice can only be awarded for 3 months, after which time a new application may be considered given the circumstances. No more than 2 TENs can be granted. 

The council are not obliged to issue a TEN and the application may be refused.

You can apply for a TEN at the following link:

Apply now